Viral HEP Driver: NIHR Health Informatics Collaborative (HIC) Liver Disease and Viral Hepatitis research database

Lay Description

The research database is collecting electronic health care records from people infected with viruses that predominantly affect the liver, to use in research for patient benefit. Our main focus is currently advancing hepatitis B research.

Chronic hepatitis B infection affects 254 million people globally and caused around 1.1 million deaths in 2022, primarily from cirrhosis and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]). We are leading a nationwide initiative, building on clinical expertise to collect and analyse mass real-world data from electronic patient records using multidisciplinary techniques (informatics, engineering, and analytics).

This programme aims to understand the clinical trajectories and outcomes of HBV infection, including responses to antiviral therapy, development of advanced liver disease stage and liver cancer (HCC), and HBsAg loss. We are also evaluating the impact of recently expanded treatment guidelines, the effectiveness of combination antiviral therapies, and examining how other health conditions (comorbidities) and metabolic factors affect disease outcomes.

Additionally, we are investigating factors associated with care discontinuation. Hepatitis D virus (HDV) coinfection, which may worsen outcomes in people with hepatitis B, will also be characterised in terms of its prevalence in the UK and its impact on progression to severe liver disease. By informing intervention and care strategies, this programme is working towards better patient care and health outcomes for people living with hepatitis B in the UK and globally.

Public Benefit Statement

By generating large‑scale evidence on how hepatitis B progresses and how patients respond to treatment, the research has the potential to inform future care pathways and clinical guidelines, helping ensure that people receive the most effective therapies at the right time. Insights into which patients are most at risk of liver cancer, cirrhosis or treatment failure will support earlier intervention, personalised monitoring, and prevention strategies. Understanding how comorbidities, metabolic factors and care discontinuation influence outcomes will help healthcare services design more supportive and inclusive models of care.