Ribavirin Does Not Enhance Hepatitis B Virus Nucleotide Antiviral Activity: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose: There is a need for effective and affordable treatments that achieve hepatitis B virus (HBV) functional cure and prevent long-term complications. The use of immune-modulators combined with HBV antivirals is a promising therapeutic strategy to achieve these goals. Based on ribavirin (RBV) monotherapy data, we hypothesized that RBV could improve virological responses when used in combination with tenofovir.  Methods: In this randomized, open label, controlled pilot trial, we evaluated RBV (n=4) dosed for the initial 24 weeks of treatment versus no RBV (n=4) in tenofovir recipients dosed over 48 weeks.  Results: Although well tolerated and safe in combination with tenofovir, RBV demonstrated no beneficial effects on virologic, biochemical or immunological markers of chronic HBV infection over 48 weeks of serial evaluation.  Conclusions: Our data does not suggest a HBV-specific immunomodulatory effect or an impact of RBV on HBV virological and antigen suppression.