Hepatitis B Research Network
The Hepatitis B Research Network (HBRN) brings together clinical centers with expertise in caring for patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. An estimated 2 billion people worldwide have been infected with HBV and about 400 million persons are living with chronic HBV infection. Of those with childhood-acquired chronic HBV infection, it is estimated that 25% will later succumb to liver-related complications of cancer and cirrhosis if left untreated. The prevalence of HBV infection is uneven throughout the world, with significant burdens in Asia and the Pacific Islands, sub-Saharan Africa, the Amazon Basin, and Eastern Europe. The goal of the Network is to conduct research on chronic hepatitis B, in order to better understand the physiological effects of the disease and develop effective treatment strategies with the currently available therapies.