Over one million Americans have contracted chronic hepatitis B and are now forced to go through a lifelong treatment process. Though these treatment only helps in terminating the virus, the risk of liver cancer stays on, and the constant fear and torment remain. Now, a new study of a drug trial for hepatitis B patients has given hope to millions.The trial saw 1 in 5 patients with chronic hepatitis B infection getting cured. The 24-week test had 1,838 patients from 29 countries in Asia, Europe, and North and South America. The research published in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that 20% of patients got a functional cure, and no virus was detected in them after 48 hours.The drug, bepirovirsen, is made by Ionis Pharmaceuticals and GlaxoSmithKline and can stop the virus from replicating itself while giving the immune system a chance to eradicate it. The treatment process will be done by administering an injection once a week. Notably, GlaxoSmithKline has already applied to the Food and Drug Administration for approval to market the drug.Though there was an option of vaccination to prevent the disease, still, millions are infected. This effective functional cure option will be a great addition to the treatment of hepatitis B.Also Read: Space Grown Stem Cells: How Are Expedition 74 Astronauts Helping To Fight Cancer?What Is Hepatitis B?Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. Many adults can clear the virus after an acute infection. Some, however, go on to develop chronic hepatitis B, which increases the risk of liver cancer, liver failure, and cirrhosis, or permanent scarring of the liver.Also Read: Study Finds Healthy Lifestyle Reduces Cardiovascular Risk In Childhood Cancer SurvivorsHow Is Hepatitis B Spread?The hepatitis B virus is highly contagious. It spreads when blood, semen, or other bodily fluids from a person who carries the virus enter the body of someone who is not infected.Certain medical conditions, personal habits, and other circumstances can raise the risk, such as injection drug use or sexual contact, but the virus can infect anyone. Hepatitis B can also pass from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth, whether through a vaginal delivery or a C-section.How Can Hepatitis B Be Prevented?Vaccination is the most reliable way to prevent hepatitis B. The shots offer strong protection in infancy and continue to shield individuals well into adulthood. Babies usually receive a three-dose series.