Despite all of the conflict and controversy in the world, the good news is that in the smaller world of hepatitis B there is much more harmony and a lot to celebrate.

To begin with, the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) is helping to accelerate the pace of research towards finding a cure through the opening of its new biotech center, a mission-driven research facility (front page). Now we literally have more space and opportunities to recruit, train and support the scientists and public health professionals who are dedicated to hepatitis B.

Because of new effective drugs on the market, the 2004 U.S. treatment guidelines for chronic hepatitis B already required an update in 2006 (p. 5). There are now a total of five approved therapies for hepatitis B, and an additional four drugs in Phase III trials, which bring even more hope to patients and their families. Our sixth annual B Informed Patient Conference was another big success, with almost 100 participants. It remains the only national conference of its kind and has become a place where friendships are forged, valuable information exchanged, and grassroots advocacy encouraged (p. 6).

To ensure the continued flow of good news about hepatitis B, we ask for your support as the holiday season approaches. Please consider making a generous donation to the Hepatitis B Foundation in response to our year-end appeal. There’s much to celebrate, but there is still more to do!