An estimated 300 million people are infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the Asia-Pacific region.  Healthcare professionals need to be able to identify which individuals are at risk for HBV infection and to follow current recommendations for screening and vaccination.  Over the course of chronic hepatitis B, changing patterns in the levels of liver function enzymes and HBV DNA, as well as in antigen and antibody status, present a challenge to clinicians in the accurate interpretation of diagnostic test results.  Such interpretation is essential for determining a patient’s stage of disease and the indications for treatment.  Published guidelines and treatment algorithms can assist healthcare professionals in appropriately monitoring patients and selecting therapy.  The suppression of viral load to the lowest possible level— rather than cure— is the goal of antiviral therapy.  Understanding the efficacy, safety, and resistance profiles of currently approved therapies for the management of chronic hepatitis B is key to their effective use and to optimal patient outcomes.

This educational program has been designed to meet the needs of specialists, general practitioners, and other healthcare providers who see patients who have hepatitis B or who are at risk for HBV infection.

At the conclusion of this program, participants should be able to:

	Review the burden of HBV disease in the Asia-Pacific region
	Discuss diagnostic testing for HBV infection and the role of HBV DNA level in the progression of the disease
	Review current treatment options for chronic hepatitis B
	Present new clinical data reported during recent congresses and in the literature
	Discuss the implications of these new studies on treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and MDG Development Group.  The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

As a provider accredited by the ACCME, it is the policy of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health to require the disclosure of the existence of any significant financial interest or any other relationship the sponsor or faculty members have with the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) discussed in the program.  Detailed disclosures will be made at the beginning of the program.