Officials say the virus can lead to serious liver disease in people already living with hepatitis B
A man receiving a Hepatitis vaccination. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan’s health ministry will speed up regulatory approvals to allow phase III clinical trials of a new hepatitis delta treatment, amid warnings that the virus is an escalating threat to public health
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and attended by representatives of Chinese pharmaceutical company Huahui Health. The company briefed officials on its hepatitis delta therapy, HH-003, which has completed successful phase II international trials and is approved in China for safety and efficacy.
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Minister Kamal described hepatitis delta as a “unique and dangerous” virus that only affects the liver of hepatitis B patients. He said more than one million Pakistanis are affected and warned that delays in diagnosis and treatment could lead to serious complications, including liver cancer.
Officials said about 20% of hepatitis B patients in Pakistan may also carry hepatitis delta, but limited access to routine testing delays diagnosis. Minister Kamal said the government is taking steps to provide the medicine at an affordable price and ensure access to safe, quality, life-saving treatments.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan will oversee a transparent approval process based on scientific and international standards. Officials agreed to speed up phase III trials to deliver the treatment to eligible patients quickly under strict monitoring.
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The government will promote partnerships between Huahui Health and local pharmaceutical companies to support domestic production of advanced biological drugs and facilitate technology transfer.
