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