HEP DART 2021: FRONTIERS IN DRUG DEVELOPMENT FOR HEPATOLOGY

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Abstract/ Project summary: HEP DART 2021: Frontiers in Drug Development for Hepatology HEP DART: Frontiers in Drug Development for Hepatology is an independent biennial conference attracting at least 250 attendees per meeting for the past 24 years. HEP DART is open to anyone interested in therapies for viral hepatitis and chronic liver disease. The content of this conference was developed to interest primarily scientists and clinical researchers with a focus on drug development and vaccinology. The aim of HEP DART 2021 is to assemble clinicians, researchers, basic scientists, nurses, physician assistants and advocates together to advance our knowledge of the ongoing drug development processes in the treatment of viral hepatitis (HBV, HCV, HDV, HAV and HEV), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HEP DART will uniquely blend the areas of biology, chemistry, pharmacology and clinical research to provide the scientific community with an increased understanding of the current and future challenges in therapeutics for liver infection, disease and cancer. OBJECTIVES: (1) Highlight advances in drug development against viral hepatitis such as HBV, HCV, and HDV. (2) Evaluate the progress toward the elimination of HBV and HCV as public health threats in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. (3) Describe the latest developments in HBV curative strategies, including combination therapy for cure. (4) Highlight the latest findings in immunity, flares, immunotherapy and cure strategies. (5) Highlight advances in drug development against NASH, NAFLD, fibrosis and HCC. (6) Describe novel biomarkers for viral hepatitis, liver disease, and treatment outcomes. (7) Review the latest findings related to COVID-19 and liver disease. (8) Review current treatment and vaccination guidelines for viral hepatitis; describe advancements in improved treatment regimens. (9) Examine recent work and future directions for vaccines to prevent HCV infection. (10) Understand the consequences of HBV infection and NASH in pediatrics and adolescent populations. (11) Assess the role of therapeutic vaccines in future therapies for viral hepatitis, NASH, and co-infections with HIV. (12) Understand the epidemiology and pathogenesis of viral hepatitis including HBV-HDV, HCV, HAV and HEV. (13) Understand treatment in the context of co-infection with HIV and other viruses. METHODS: HEP DART 2021 comprises four days of in- person scientific presentations, delivered in both oral and poster presentations formats via non-concurrent sessions. Main sessions and keynote speakers will also be taped and streamed virtually shortly after the meeting. Emory University, Office of Continuing Medical Education will designate category 1 credits toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award to this accredited program. HEP DART provides a relaxed and scientifically stimulating atmosphere for both PhDs and MDs to network and learn together. Support is requested to help defray costs of scholarships and travel grants for young investigators, women, visible minorities and other under- represented delegates.