Effectiveness, Safety and Patient‐Reported Outcomes of Bulevirtide Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis Delta: Real‐World Evidence From a Prospective Observational Study

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Authors: Daniele Mengato, Sara Battistella, A Cadore, Elisabetta Mariavittoria Giunco, Paola Zanaga, Teresa Zappitelli, Antonietta Romano, Marta Tonon, Francesca Pasin, Fabrizio Barbaro, Lolita Sasset, Laura Scribano
+7 more Martina Gambato, Giacomo Berti, Paolo Simioni, Annamaria Cattelan, Patrizia Burra, Francesca Venturini, Francesco Paolo Russo
Cited by: 1
References: 25

Abstract

Chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) is the most severe form of viral hepatitis and is associated with accelerated progression to cirrhosis and liver failure. Bulevirtide has shown promising results in trials, but real-world data on its effectiveness, safety and impact on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) remain limited. To evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and PROs (quality-of life-QoL; adherence) of bulevirtide therapy in CHD patients undergoing a dedicated pharmacist-led patient-education program (PEP). A prospective observational study enrolled 31 consecutive CHD patients receiving bulevirtide 2 mg daily at a tertiary referral centre. Virological, biochemical and combined responses were assessed at weeks 24, 48 and 60. QoL (through EQ-5D-5L questionnaire), adherence (proportion of days covered), and adverse events were monitored during follow-up. Bulevirtide significantly reduced HDV-RNA by week 24 (p < 0.01), with further reductions at week 48 (p = 0.05) and 60 (p < 0.01). Liver tests improved significantly from baseline to week 24 (p < 0.01) and remained stable. Combined response was achieved in 43.7% of patients by week 60. QoL improved significantly (p = 0.03), and adherence was excellent (≥ 90%). Adverse events were mostly mild and transient. In real-world clinical practice, bulevirtide achieved sustained virological and biochemical improvements with favourable safety and quality-of-life outcomes, confirming its effectiveness in routine management of CHD. While the 60-week data (n = 16) are exploratory due to the sample size, these findings confirm its effectiveness and safety in routine management of CHD.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Hepatitis B Virus Studies Hepatitis C virus research Hepatitis Viruses Studies and Epidemiology

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Viral Hepatitis
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
33
Issue
6
Pages
e70181–e70181
Publication date
10 May 2026
Language
EN