A drug already in trials may finally stop hepatitis E

Scientists have identified a potential new weapon against hepatitis E, a virus with no approved treatment and tens of thousands of deaths each year. The drug bemnifosbuvir, currently in trials for hepatitis C, was found to block the virus from replicating by disrupting its genetic machinery. Tests in cells and animals showed strong effectiveness without harming healthy tissue. If ongoing trials succeed, the drug could soon be repurposed for hepatitis E.