Recent discussions at the 51st Congress of the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver (AEEH) highlighted Gilead’s ongoing commitment to innovation and improved diagnostics in the field of liver disease. The company hosted several events focused on advancing understanding and treatment options for conditions like primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and viral hepatitis, signaling a continued investment in addressing these significant public health challenges.
Liver diseases represent a substantial global health burden, and early, accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management. Gilead’s initiatives at the AEEH congress underscore the importance of collaborative research and the development of new strategies to combat these conditions. The focus on both PBC and viral hepatitis reflects the breadth of challenges within hepatology and the demand for multifaceted approaches to improve patient outcomes. Advancements in liver disease research are vital for developing more effective therapies.
Understanding Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)
A key focus of the Gilead-sponsored symposium was primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a chronic, immune-mediated liver disease that progressively damages the small bile ducts within the liver. This damage disrupts bile flow, leading to a buildup of toxic bile acids and potentially progressing to cirrhosis, liver failure, or the need for a liver transplant if left unmanaged. Common symptoms include chronic itching (pruritus) and fatigue, which can significantly impact quality of life. Currently, there is no cure for PBC, so treatment focuses on slowing disease progression and managing symptoms associated with impaired bile flow.
Experts at the congress emphasized the need for continued advancements in PBC management. Doctors Rosa Morillas (Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital, Barcelona), Javier Ampuero (Virgen del Rocío Hospital, Seville), María Pilar Ballester Ferré (Clinico de Valencia Hospital), and Montserrat García Retortillo (Hospital del Mar, Barcelona) participated in discussions regarding current challenges and emerging treatment approaches. Treatment efficacy is assessed comprehensively, considering both biochemical markers of liver function and the clinical impact of the disease on patients.
Combating Viral Hepatitis: A Global Health Priority
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Gilead’s conference, “Diagnostic and Clinical Approach to Viral Hepatitis,” addressed this ambitious target. Presenters, including Dr. María Buti (Vall d’Hebron Hospital, Barcelona), Dr. Beatriz Mateos (Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid), and Professor Pietro Lampertico (Fondazione IRCCS Ca´Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlínico, Milan, Italy), discussed strategies for achieving this goal.
Dr. Buti highlighted that the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the second leading cause of cancer worldwide, surpassed only by tobacco. Infection with the hepatitis Delta virus (HDV), which requires HBV to replicate, significantly increases the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other liver complications. The risk of HCC is up to six times higher in patients co-infected with HDV and HIV compared to those infected with HBV alone. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified HDV as a carcinogen, and cirrhosis remains the most significant risk factor for HCC development. According to data from the AEEH registry, 43% of patients with hepatitis D had cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis.
Early diagnosis and treatment of HDV are therefore critical. Guidelines recommend screening HBV-positive patients and repeating viral load quantification to rule out active infection. Cost-effective strategies, such as reflex testing, can improve HDV identification. Dr. Mateos emphasized the need for new diagnostic strategies, based on elevated transaminases or approaches like Prolink, and for linking individuals with viral hepatitis to care, highlighting the remaining challenges in eliminating these infections as a public health problem. She also noted that a significant number of patients remain undiagnosed and may be in advanced stages of the disease, reinforcing the need for enhanced screening and early detection efforts.
Investing in Hepatology Research
Gilead reaffirmed its commitment to scientific innovation by awarding the 8th edition of the Gilead-AEEH Scholarships during the congress. Since its launch in 2018, the program has funded 90 projects across 16 Spanish autonomous communities, providing over €2.2 million in funding. These initiatives have significantly contributed to the elimination of hepatitis C in Spain and improved the diagnosis of hepatitis D, addressing diverse populations and healthcare settings. Over 172,000 patients with hepatitis C have been treated in Spain, but more than 30% had advanced liver disease, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and elimination strategies.
Continued research and investment in innovative approaches are essential to further improve the lives of those affected by liver diseases. The ongoing efforts to enhance diagnostics, develop new treatments, and eliminate viral hepatitis represent a significant step forward in addressing these complex health challenges.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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