Can a blue dye tame hepatitis b?
NCT ID NCT06887036
First seen Aug 21, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tests whether methylene blue, a compound with antiviral properties in lab tests, can reduce hepatitis B virus levels in people with chronic infection. Participants take methylene blue capsules for up to 6 months, with the dose possibly increasing if the initial dose is not effective. The goal is to see if the treatment lowers both the virus's genetic material (HBV DNA) and the surface antigen (HBsAg) in the blood, which could eventually help some patients stop long-term antiviral therapy.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- methylene blue
- What this could lead to
- If effective, methylene blue could offer a new oral treatment to reduce hepatitis B virus levels and potentially help some patients stop lifelong antiviral therapy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small early-stage pilot study, so results may not apply broadly. Methylene blue may not lower virus levels enough, and side effects are possible.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 10 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Expected to finish
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May 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 79 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Signed informed consent * Age ≥ 18 and \< 80 years * Microbiologically confirmed chronic Hepatitis B Virus infection (according to the old terminology "inactive HBV carrier") * HBsAg levels within 20-15'000 IU/ml measured at the at least twice at 6-18 months apart * HBV DNA PCR levels within 1'000-20'000 IU/ml measured at least twice at 6-18 months apart * Negative pregnancy test in women of child-bearing age Exclusion Criteria: * Documented refusal to participate in the study * Known G-6-Phophatase deficiency * Treatment with a serotoninergic drug * Ongoing treatment with a nucleos(-t)ide treatment * Clinically relevant concomitant liver disease * GPT \> 2xULN * Fibroscan of \> 8.0 KPa obtained ≤ 12 months before Visit 0/Screening * HBeAg positivity * Anti HDV antibody positivity * Breastfeeding women
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Epatocentro Ticino
RECRUITINGLugano, Canton Ticino, 6900, Switzerland
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