Navigating the Viral Hepatitis Drug Landscape: New Discoveries and Enduring Challenges. A Narrative Review

Viral hepatitis remains a significant challenge for global public health and a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, with most cases caused by five hepatotropic viruses: hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. The World Health Organization has established a goal to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. In recent years, advancements in our understanding of its pathogenesis have significantly propelled the development of antiviral drugs, particularly for hepatitis C, for which we now have highly effective therapies with cure rates exceeding 95%. However, achieving complete cures for hepatitis B and D continues to pose challenges, and effective treatments for hepatitis A and E are still lacking. A comprehensive understanding of the latest treatment advancements is crucial for guiding future drug development. This article reviews the most recent advancements in pharmacological interventions for viral hepatitis, summarizes current treatment methods, and provides an outlook on future research and therapeutic strategies, with the aim of improving patient outcomes and alleviating the global burden of liver diseases.