Abstract
The study aims to develop an extract of a combination herbal formula containing Phyllanthus amarus as a new effective herbal product for hepatitis B therapy based on China Drug Administration and US/FDA requirements.

The study has shown that PhyllanPLUS^© can inhibit both HBeAg and HbsAg secretiion in hepatoma 2215 cells and the replication of DHBV-DNA in the duck hepatitis B model. It has a significant effect on protecting rats from acute chemical injury of the liver. It improves liver functions, serological indices of liver fibrosis, and clinical symptoms of chronic hepatitis B patients. PhyllanPLUS^© is now under Phase II clinical trial at the Prince of Wales Hospital and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Technological Breakthrough/Relevance to Industry/Society
Hepatitis-B virus (HBV) is a chronic disease and affects over 300 million people worldwide. Carriers in China and South-east Asia represent 10-20% of the total population while Hong Kong carriers represent 9.6% of the population. This makes HBV one of the most common human pathogens. Available Western medicines are notorious for their side effects and unpleasantness. Chinese medicine, on the other hand, is highly welcome in Asia and is gaining popularity in Western countries. PhyllanPLUS^© has been proven to be as effective as the commercially available chemical drugs in treating both acute and chronic hepatitis B without causing any detectable side effect. In the pre-packed Chinese medication market, there are around 5-6 similar products for Hepatitis-B. But PhyllanPLUS^© is among the first which is supported by 6 years of scientific R&D and a comprehensive clinical trial program.

Contact Information
Mr H Y Wong
Director, Technology Transfer Office
City University of Hong Kong
83 Tat Chee Avenue
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel : (852) 2788 8428
Fax : (852) 2788 9119
Email : hy.wong@cityu.edu.hk