HEB-PEP

HEB-PEP is an experimental synthetic peptide developed by the Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC) in Rotterdam for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It functions as a viral entry inhibitor by targeting the Sodium/bile acid cotransporter (NTCP), also known as SLC10A1, which is the primary receptor used by HBV to enter human hepatocytes. HEB-PEP is designed to interfere with the binding of the HBV Large surface protein's PreS1 domain to the NTCP receptor, thereby blocking the initial step of the viral life cycle and preventing the infection of healthy liver cells. This mechanism of action is intended to reduce the viral reservoir and help achieve a functional cure in patients with chronic hepatitis B. The drug is currently in early-stage development, with research focused on its efficacy in preventing viral spread within the liver.