hepratide

Hepratide is a synthetic peptide entry inhibitor developed by Shanghai Hepu Biotechnology for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). It is a lipopeptide derived from the PreS1 region of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) large envelope protein. Hepratide functions by binding to the sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), which serves as the essential entry receptor for both HBV and the hepatitis D virus (HDV) on the surface of hepatocytes. By competitively inhibiting this receptor, hepratide prevents the virus from entering healthy liver cells, thereby blocking the spread of infection and potentially reducing the intrahepatic viral load. The drug is administered via subcutaneous injection and has been evaluated in Phase 1 clinical trials for safety and pharmacokinetics.