Pakistan eyes China partnership as hepatitis delta cases rise

Pakistan’s health ministry will accelerate regulatory approvals to allow Phase III clinical trials of a new hepatitis delta treatment, amid warnings that the virus is an escalating public health threat

The decision was made at a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, attended by representatives of Chinese pharmaceutical firm Huahui Health. The company briefed officials on its hepatitis delta therapy, HH-003, which has completed successful Phase II international trials and is approved in China for safety and effectiveness.

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Minister Kamal described hepatitis delta as a “unique and dangerous” virus that affects the liver only in patients with hepatitis B. He said more than one million Pakistanis are affected, warning that delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe complications, including liver cancer.

Officials said roughly 20% of hepatitis B patients in Pakistan may also carry hepatitis delta, but limited access to routine testing delays diagnosis. Minister Kamal said the government is taking steps to provide the medicine affordably and ensure access to safe, high-quality, life-saving treatments.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan will oversee a transparent approval process based on scientific and international standards. Officials agreed to fast-track Phase III trials to deliver the treatment to eligible patients quickly under strict monitoring.

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The government will promote partnerships between Huahui Health and local pharmaceutical companies to support domestic production of advanced biological medicines and facilitate technology transfer.