Preventing Hepatitis C Reinfection with DNA Vaccine

▲[Photo by Asia Economy DB]

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] Domestic researchers and small and medium-sized enterprises have developed a DNA vaccine that strengthens the immunity of cured hepatitis C patients to prevent relapse.

KAIST announced on the 24th that a research team led by Professor Shin Euichul of the Graduate School of Medical Science successfully increased immunity without side effects by administering the DNA vaccine (GLS-6150) to hepatitis C cured patients.

The research team included the gene for the cytokine immune enhancer IFNL3 in the vaccine to enhance immunity against hepatitis C. This vaccine reduces regulatory T cells (Treg), which suppress immune responses, while enhancing the function of cytotoxic T cells, which play a key role in the immune response to the hepatitis C virus.

The research team received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in February 2018 to conduct a clinical study evaluating the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of the DNA vaccine (GLS-6150) in chronic hepatitis C patients cured with antiviral drugs, and is currently conducting the third phase 1 clinical trial at Severance Hospital and Pusan National University Hospital.

The research team also conducted a multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation phase 1 clinical trial involving 14 hepatitis C patients at Severance Hospital and Pusan National University Hospital.

Professor Shin Euichul said, "Through this research, we have discovered new possibilities for developing a hepatitis C preventive vaccine, which has failed for over 30 years," adding, "If a preventive vaccine is successfully developed, it may be possible to eradicate the hepatitis C virus from the earth in the near future."

This research used the hepatitis C DNA vaccine (GLS-6150) supported by GeneOne Life Science, Inc.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.