RO7239958

RO7239958 is an investigational drug developed by F. Hoffmann-La Roche (Roche) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It is administered as a subcutaneous injection and was evaluated in early-phase clinical trials to assess its safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics in both healthy volunteers and patients with chronic HBV infection. The mechanism of action involves inhibition of two host cell enzymes—PAPD5 and PAPD7 (poly[A] polymerases)—which are essential for HBV replication within liver cells. By blocking these enzymes, RO7239958 aims to reduce viral RNA stability and suppress the production of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), thereby limiting viral propagation. Clinical development has been discontinued following Phase 1 studies.