Wilson Disease: Therapeutic Landscape & Future Directions

Optimizing Clinical Pathways to Achieve Functional Cure in CHB

In this educational podcast, Paul Kwo, MD discusses how the goals of hepatitis B treatment are changing and what the future may look like for people living with chronic hepatitis B. While current medications do an excellent job of controlling the virus, most patients still need to stay on treatment long term. Dr. Kwo explains the growing focus on achieving a “functional cure,” which means losing the hepatitis B surface antigen—a key milestone that may allow some patients to eventually stop treatment and further reduce their risk of serious liver complications. Throughout the presentation, Dr. Kwo reviews the benefits of today's hepatitis B therapies, including their ability to keep the virus under control and lower the risk of liver damage. He also discusses why achieving a functional cure is important, not only for reducing the risk of liver cancer but also for improving quality of life and helping patients feel less burdened by their disease. The video also explores new treatment approaches being studied, how healthcare providers monitor patients over time, and what factors may help identify people who could benefit from future therapies. As hepatitis B research continues to advance, Dr. Kwo shares his perspective on how these developments may bring patients closer than ever to achieving long-term disease control and, potentially, a functional cure.

Insights From 2025 EASL & AASLD Chronic Hepatitis B Guidelines

Dr. Anthony Martinez, Medical Director of Hepatology at the University at Buffalo and Erie County Medical Center, discusses the evolving landscape of chronic hepatitis B management and the shift from viral suppression to precision immune control. In this expert overview, he highlights the latest 2025 AASLD and EASL guideline updates and explains how quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (qHBsAg) testing is changing treatment decisions, particularly for hepatitis B e antigen-negative patients. This discussion explores when clinicians may consider stopping nucleos(t)ide analog therapy, the importance of the ≤100 IU/mL qHBsAg threshold, and why treatment discontinuation should never be considered in patients with cirrhosis or unreliable follow-up. Dr. Martinez also reviews how qHBsAg trends can help personalize monitoring, HCC surveillance, and treatment timing while supporting the pursuit of functional cure. Using a real-world clinical scenario, he examines emerging strategies aimed at antigen reduction, including PEG interferon add-on therapy and novel functional cure approaches. This video is ideal for hepatologists, gastroenterologists, and advanced practice providers looking to stay current on modern hepatitis B management, functional cure strategies, and the growing role of immune-informed decision-making.

Navigating Non-Adherence and Compliance in Wilson's Disease

In this expert discussion presented in collaboration with the Chronic Liver Disease Foundation, Amanda Cheung, MD, transplant hepatologist at Northwestern Medicine, and Peter Hedera, MD, neurologist and medical geneticist at University of Louisville, explore the complex challenges of medication adherence and long-term compliance in patients with Wilson disease. This educational conversation reviews the lifelong management of Wilson disease, highlighting how both neurologic and hepatic manifestations can significantly impact quality of life, daily functioning, and long-term outcomes. The discussion examines common neurologic symptoms including tremor, dystonia, ataxia, and parkinsonism, as well as hepatic complications ranging from asymptomatic liver enzyme elevations to cirrhosis and acute liver failure. Experts also discuss how Wilson disease can mimic other conditions such as fatty liver disease, contributing to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Throughout the discussion, the faculty address the real-world barriers that affect adherence to Wilson disease therapies, including lifelong treatment burden, complex dosing schedules, food restrictions, medication side effects, cost and insurance challenges, and the transition from pediatric to adult care. The conversation also reviews currently available chelation therapies such as penicillamine and trientine, the role of zinc maintenance therapy, and emerging treatment strategies aimed at improving convenience and patient compliance. Additional insights include the importance of multidisciplinary care teams, patient education, shared decision-making, pharmacy support programs, psychiatric care, and social work involvement in optimizing long-term disease management. This video provides valuable clinical pearls for hepatologists, neurologists, advanced practice providers, and healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with Wilson disease.

Wilson Disease: Therapeutic Landscape & Future Directions

In this insightful CLDF podcast recorded at the 6th Annual Liver Connect Conference, John Vierling, MD, shares a forward-looking overview of Wilson’s disease and the major shifts shaping its future diagnosis and management. This episode explores why Wilson’s disease remains difficult to recognize, often going undiagnosed for years due to its wide range of symptoms and its ability to mimic more common conditions. The conversation highlights the real-world challenges faced by patients, families, and clinicians, including inconsistencies in care and the impact on quality of life. Looking ahead, the discussion focuses on the exciting progress being made across genetics, diagnostics, and treatment development. Learn how new research is uncovering a broader understanding of how common Wilson’s disease may actually be, along with emerging technologies that could enable earlier and more accurate detection. The episode also touches on the evolution of treatment approaches, including improvements to existing therapies and the potential for innovative options on the horizon. This high-level overview is ideal for hepatology providers, gastroenterology clinicians, and advanced practice providers who want to stay informed on where the field is headed—without getting lost in complex clinical detail. Discover why Wilson’s disease is entering a new era of innovation and what that could mean for improving patient outcomes in the years ahead.

Complications of Cirrhosis: The Basics

In this high-level hepatology update from the 6th Annual Liver Connect Conference, Sujit Janardhan, MD, PhD, provides an overview of how the understanding and management of cirrhosis and portal hypertension are evolving in 2026. The discussion focuses on the big-picture shifts in the field, including earlier identification of patients at risk, updated definitions of disease progression, and how these changes are influencing overall treatment approaches. Rather than focusing on individual therapies in depth, this session highlights how clinicians are thinking differently about preventing complications, improving long-term outcomes, and using newer, less invasive tools to guide decision-making. It also touches on the broader impact of complications like liver failure, fluid buildup, and cognitive changes, while reinforcing the importance of proactive management and patient-centered care. This overview is ideal for healthcare professionals looking to stay current on the direction of hepatology and the evolving strategies shaping chronic liver disease management.