Let me tell you, folks, we’ve got something really important here. We’re talking about people living with HIV-HBV, okay? And guess what? Even with the best, the most suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) out there, liver fibrosis can still sneak up on them. It’s true, it’s happening. So, we took a deep dive, a big, beautiful study in Australia and Thailand, following these brave adults for three whole years. That’s dedication, believe me.

We checked them every six months, did all the tests, and used this fancy thing called transient elastography once a year. And what did we find? Out of 67 participants, and I’m talking about 85% men, average age 49, these guys have been on ART for a decade. But here’s the kicker: 19% of them still saw their liver fibrosis get worse over three years. Can you believe it?

Now, we didn’t just stop there. We looked into it, and guess what? Those whose liver got worse had higher levels of this thing called high mobility group box 1 protein (HGMB1) – it’s a big deal, folks. And their CD4+ T-cell count? Lower. It’s clear as day. The message? Start ART early, especially the kind that fights HBV. It’s huge, it’s important.

And let me tell you, this wasn’t just any study. It was backed by the NHMRC, but they let us do our thing – no interference. We did the work, we found the facts. It’s all about getting ahead of liver fibrosis in HIV-HBV, and folks, it looks like we’re on the right track.