Hepatitis
Every 30 seconds, someone loses their life to a hepatitis related illness
We need better options for diagnosing and treating hepatitis, to help prevent the 1.4 million deaths that occur each year worldwide.
What is viral hepatitis?
Today, around 350 million people around the world are living with viral hepatitis, an infection that causes liver inflammation and damage.
There are several different types of viral hepatitis. Some will pass without any serious problems, while others can be long-lasting (chronic) and cause scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), loss of liver function and, in some cases, liver cancer.
Why is more research needed?
While existing treatments can sometimes lead to a cure, the prospect of life-long antiviral therapy can lead to a number of complex challenges. These include steep medical costs, the need for high patient compliance, and medical complications.
More research is needed to improve how patients are diagnosed and treated.
Sign up to our newsletter
Keep up to date with all our latest news and events, as well as ways you can get involved in our fundraising activities.
Sign up now
What is autoimmune hepatitis?
Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare cause of long-term hepatitis, in which the body’s immune system attacks and damages the liver.
There are thought to be around 10,000 people living with autoimmune hepatitis in the UK, and although both men and women can develop the condition, it is more common in young women. It is not currently clear what causes autoimmune hepatitis, or whether anything can be done to prevent it.
Why is more research needed?
Existing treatments aim to reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system, but this can also reduce the immune system’s ability to fight infection.
Current therapeutics do not provide a cure; they need to be taken life-long and, despite therapy, people with autoimmune hepatitis can go on to develop liver cirrhosis, liver failure and the need for a liver transplant.
£4 million
invested in life-saving hepatitis research, thanks to our supporters
Improving hepatitis treatments
Donate now
We need your help to continue funding life-changing hepatitis research
Make a donation