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Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is one of the major causes of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues can control disease progression. However, they cause very low HBsAg clearance or seroconversion rates and relapse in most patients after treatment withdrawal. In recent years, the further understanding of the interaction between hepatitis B virus (HBV) and host gives birth to a large number of novel drugs that hold promise for successful cure of CHB. This paper reviews several novel drugs against HBV in phase I, II, or III clinical trials, and points out that these novel drugs against HBV have preliminarily indicated a bright future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are about 150 million people around the world with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection currently, of whom 20% will ultimately progress to cirrhosis and eventually die of end - stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Interferon (IFN) has long been recognized as the cornerstone of the treatment of chronic hepatitis C because of its role in sustained virologic response and prevention of disease progression. However, it has limited efficacy and multiple adverse effects. In recent years, direct - acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have shown good efficacy. This review summarizes the recent advances in IFN - free anti - HCV therapeutic regimens based on DAAs. We believe that, with the emergence of DAAs , IFN - free therapies will develop rapidly and display better prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]