By grafting our medicinal chemistry and drug development know-hows and Institute Pasteur Korea's basic science research competencies and screening skills, we are conducting a joint research program for the discovery of a novel Hepatitis B (HBV) drug.

HBV is an internationally major public health concern, and it is reported that there are approximately 240 million patients with chronic hepatitis worldwide. HBV not only causes life-threatening chronic hepatitis, but also known to be the cause of 70% of liver cancer worldwide. Also, HBV is considered to be the primary cause for liver transplantation. According to Korea CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and MHW (Ministry of Health and Welfare), the prevalence of HBV in Korea is reported to be 3.2% for males and 2.7% for females.