Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection Is significantly under-diagnosed and under-treated in the United States. In 2008, much new data on HBV has emerged, increasing our knowledge of the natural history of this disease and its treatment. Effective new anti-HBV agents and novel treatment approaches for long-term management of HBV are now in use. Through a series of interactive case presentations, this activity will review the latest developments in the understanding and treatment of this disease.

This program is designed for hepatologists and gastroenterologists who treat patients with chronic hepatitis B virus.

After participating in this activity, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the epidemiology and natural history of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection
  • Implement an activity of screening, vaccination, and diagnosis of HBV within their clinical practices
  • Evaluate the risks and benefits of available agents for treating chronic HBV infection
  • Evaluate current data on the potential use of combination therapy for patients with chronic HBV infection

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and HealthmattersCME. The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. The University of Kentucky College of Medicine presents this activity for educational purposes only. Participants are expected to utilize their own expertise and judgment while engaged in the practice of medicine. The content of the presentations is provided solely by presenters who have been selected for presentations because of recognized expertise in their field.

STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE

All faculty members participating in continuing medical education activities sponsored by the University of Kentucky College of Medicine are expected to disclose any real or perceived conflict of interest related to the content of their presentations. Copies of faculty disclosures will be given prior to the activity.

University of Kentucky is an Equal Opportunity University

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine adheres to ACCME Essential Areas and Policies, including the Standards for Commercial Support regarding industry support of continuing medication education. In order to resolve any identified conflicts of interest, disclosure information is provided during the planning process to ensure resolution of any identified conflicts. Disclosure of faculty and commercial relationships, as well as the discussion of unlabeled/investigational use of any drug, device, or procedure by the faculty, are made known on the following page.

Eugene R. Schiff, MD, MACP, FRCP, MACG, AGAF

  • Scientific Advisory Boards: Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Bayer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Conatus, Gilead Sciences, GlobeImmune, Inc., Merck, Novartis/Idenix, Roche Molecular Systems, Schering-Plough, Vertex Pharmaceuticals
  • DSMB Data Monitoring Board: Daiichi-Sankyo, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Salix Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi Aventis, Wyeth
  • Grant/Research Support, including Clinical Trials: Abbott, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Conatus, Debio Pharm, Gilead Sciences, GlobeImmune, Idenix, LabCORE, Merck, Novartis/Idenix, Roche Diagnostics, Roche Molecular Systems, Roche Pharmaceutical, Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sanofi Aventis, Schering-Plough, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Wyeth
  • Speakers Bureau: Gilead Sciences, Schering-Ploug

Marion Peters, MD, FRACP

  • Consultant: Clinical Care Options, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Pharmasset, Roche Pharmaceuticals

Mark Sulkowski, MD

  • Speaker’s Bureau: Gilead Sciences, Novartis
  • Contract Research Support: Gilead Sciences, Human Genome Sciences/Novartis, Roche Pharmaceuticals, Schering-Plough
  • Consultant: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Gilead Sciences, Human Genome Sciences/Novartis, Roche, Schering-Plough

Norah A. Terrault, MD, MPH

  • Grant/Research Support/CRADA: Cangene Corporation, Human Genome Sciences, Novartis, Schering-Plough, Pharmasset
  • Consultant: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Gilead Sciences, Roche Pharmaceuticals, Siemens Diagnostics

Tram T. Tran, MD

  • Speaker’s Bureau: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Gilead Sciences, Idenix, Novartis, Schering-Plough
  • Contract research Support: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Gilead Sciences, Idenix, Novartis, Schering-Plough
  • Consultant: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Gilead Sciences, Idenix, Novartis, Schering-Plough
launch activity