Hepatitis B virus resistance to nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy: WHO consultation on questions, challenges, and a roadmap for the field.

In this Review, we summarise outputs from a multidisciplinary consultation convened by WHO between July 11 and 13, 2023, to discuss hepatitis B virus (HBV) drug resistance (HBVDR). Treatment of chronic HBV infection with highly effective nucleos(t)ide analogue agents, tenofovir and entecavir, is a crucial intervention that supports the global goal of elimination of HBV infection as a public health threat. The risk of HBVDR as a threat to treatment outcomes is currently considered low from a public health perspective; however, drug resistance can influence individual outcomes, particularly among those who are treatment-experienced. We highlight the need to develop appropriate prevention, monitoring, and surveillance approaches for HBVDR, to support investment in the global scale-up of HBV diagnosis and treatment. Recommendations for the HBVDR field will ultimately be incorporated into a WHO integrated Global Action Plan for drug-resistant HIV, viral hepatitis, and priority sexually transmitted infections.