Aeschylus Philanthropy

Neglected hepatitis

Treatment for deadly hepatitis E infections

liver infection epidemic pregnant women mortality

Philanthropic problem addressed?

The hepatitis E virus (HEV), transmitted via contaminated water and food, is endemic in most developing countries. This underappreciated virus is the most important cause of acute hepatitis in these regions. Symptoms include jaundice and abdominal pain. Severe hepatitis may develop, leading to an overall fatality rate of 0.5 to 4%. This rises to 20 to 30% in pregnant women, especially during the third trimester. There is currently no vaccine to prevent infection, nor a therapy to safe the lives of those with severe infection including pregnant woman and their unborn child.

Indicative size philanthropic problem addressed?

Epidemics may involve thousands of individuals. Hepatitis E also occurs in travellers returning home from these regions. In recent years, infections with HEV are increasingly reported in Western countries and form in particular a problem in cancer and transplant patients.

What makes your project a ‘breakthrough’ innovation?

We have a proven track record in (i) establishing assays to allow identification of potent inhibitors and (ii) identifing and further optimizing the activity of such agents.

Intended fields of application?

Treatment for deadly hepatitis E infections

Last R&D milestone you achieved within the project?

The project has to be initiated.

Upcoming R&D milestone(s)?

Establishment of HEV assays and evaluation of compounds for their antiviral activity.