Abstract: The present invention relates to novel therapeutic agents against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, particularly inhibitors of viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) which is the key barrier for HBV cure. Accordingly, the invention provides the pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrazine compounds of formula (I), as described and defined herein, for use in the treatment of HBV infection. The compounds provided herein are highly potent against HBV infection and enable an improved therapy, particularly of chronic HBV infection and HBV rebound. The present invention further relates to a novel screening assay for the identification of therapeutic agents against HBV infection, particularly cccDNA inhibitors, which is performed in hepatocyte-like cells that recapitulate the complete HBV life cycle following infection with patient-derived HBV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method of treating HBV infection in a human patient, wherein the method comprises administration of a therapeutically effective amount of Compound (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a RTEL1 inhibitor for use in treatment of an HBV infection, in particular a chronic HBV infection. The invention in particular relates to the use of RTEL1 inhibitors for destabilizing cccDNA, such as HBV cccDNA. The invention also relates to antisense oligonucleotides which are complementary to RTEL1 and capable of reducing a RTEL1 mRNA. Also comprised in the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition and its use in the treatment and/or prevention of a HBV infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to the compounds of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, wherein R1-R11 are as defined in the description and claims. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing and using the compounds of formula I as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. The compounds of formula I are useful in differentiating stem cells into more mature or adult-like hepatocytes for use as drug screening platforms and in disease modeling applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to the compounds of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, wherein R1-R11 are as defined in the description and claims. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing and using the compounds of formula I as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. The compounds of formula I are useful in differentiating stem cells into more mature or adult-like hepatocytes for use as drug screening platforms and in disease modeling applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to the compounds of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, wherein R1-R11 are as defined in the description and claims. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing and using the compounds of formula I as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. The compounds of formula I are useful in differentiating stem cells into more mature or adult-like hepatocytes for use as drug screening platforms and in disease modeling applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to the compounds of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, wherein R1-R11 are as defined in the description and claims. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing and using the compounds of formula I as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. The compounds of formula I are useful in differentiating stem cells into more mature or adult-like hepatocytes for use as drug screening platforms and in disease modeling applications.

Abstract: Provided herein is a mammalian cell transformed to contain a plasmid encoding a T7 or SP6 promoter operably linked to one or more HCV genes, a subgenomic replicon from a flavivirus and a cytoplasmic T7 and SP6 RNA amplification system. Also provided herein are isolated replication-competent HCV particles produced by the method comprising the steps of providing a transformed mammalian cell according to the first embodiment, culturing the cell, and recovering the replication-competent HCV particles from the cell culture. Provided herein are isolated HCV structural proteins produced by the method comprising the steps of providing a transformed mammalian cell according to the first embodiment, culturing the cell, and recovering the HCV structural proteins from the cell culture.

Abstract: Provided herein is a mammalian cell transformed to contain a plasmid encoding a T7 or SP6 promoter operably linked to one or more HCV genes, a subgenomic replicon from a flavivirus and a cytoplasmic T7 and SP6 RNA amplification system. Also provided herein are isolated replication-competent HCV particles produced by the method comprising the steps of providing a transformed mammalian cell according to the first embodiment, culturing the cell, and recovering the replication-competent HCV particles from the cell culture. Provided herein are isolated HCV structural proteins produced by the method comprising the steps of providing a transformed mammalian cell according to the first embodiment, culturing the cell, and recovering the HCV structural proteins from the cell culture.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining HCV complexes and HCV-like particles comprising HCV structural genes are provided. In one method, cells containing HCV-like particles are lysed with digitonin in the presence of protease inhibitors. Polyethylene glycol is slowly added to the lysate, to provide a precipitate that comprises complexes of the HCV structural proteins associated with lipid vesicles or micelles and complexes comprising viral structural proteins in the form of insoluble aggregates. In another method, the lysate is centrifuged through a sucrose cushion. Preferably, the pellet is then subjected to equilibrium ultracentrifugation, to provide a preparation of HCV-like particles that are heterogenous in size. The third method comprises subjecting the infected cells to hypertonic/hypotonic shock, and lysing the cells with digitonin in the presence of protease inhibitors.