BMU Seminar Explores Hepatitis B Treatment Breakthrough

Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) has paid tribute to renowned liver specialist Professor Dr Mobin Khan on the second anniversary of his death, recognising his outstanding contributions to the development of hepatology, liver disease treatment and medical education in Bangladesh. The university's Department of Hepatology also organised a scientific seminar on bepirovirsen, an innovative drug offering new possibilities in hepatitis B treatment.

Held at the university on Saturday, October 31, the seminar highlighted Professor Mobin Khan's professional legacy and his role in advancing hepatology in the country. Discussions also focused on emerging treatment approaches for hepatitis B, research progress and ways to make treatment more affordable for patients.

BMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr FM Siddiqui attended the programme as chief guest. Remembering Professor Mobin Khan as his direct teacher and a source of inspiration, he said the professor's encouragement had played an important role in his decision to pursue the FCPS qualification.

Professor Siddiqui said he first met Mobin Khan in 1983 while completing his internship at IPGMR. At the time, Mobin Khan had returned from Australia after completing a master's degree in hepatology and was working to establish a dedicated hepatology department. Although he was later transferred to Mymensingh Medical College, he returned to IPGMR two years later and continued working towards establishing the department.

Commenting on the scientific focus of the seminar, the vice-chancellor said the emergence of an effective medicine for hepatitis B treatment was once considered almost unimaginable. He described the development as an encouraging and significant advancement for medical science.

The seminar was chaired by Professor Dr Md Shahinul Alam, Chairman of BMU's Department of Hepatology. He recalled Professor Mobin Khan's dedication, punctuality and lifelong commitment to patient care.

Professor Shahinul Alam said Mobin Khan used to arrive at the hospital at 7am every day and would see around 100 patients even before reaching the hospital. He remained engaged in patient care throughout the day. Medical service, education and research took precedence over his personal life, he said, describing Mobin Khan as a transparent and deeply dedicated individual.

He added that Professor Mobin Khan introduced new subjects and courses in hepatology and played an important role in establishing hepatology departments at different medical colleges. The scientific seminars are being organised to continue the research tradition he established, with reducing treatment costs for patients among the key objectives.

Professor Shahinul Alam also said that although the organisers initially planned to discuss one protocol, the scope of the session eventually expanded to three protocols.

Scientific Presentations on Bepirovirsen

Associate Professor Dr SK Nazmul Hasan of BMU's Department of Hepatology presented a scientific paper titled “Silencing HBV, Unlocking Cure: The Promise of Bepirovirsen”.

Dr Md Farhad Hossain, Assistant Registrar at Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, presented another paper titled “The Functional Cure Trial: Bepirovirsen Versus Pegylated Interferon”.

Associate Professor Dr Md Saiful Islam Elin of the Department of Hepatology moderated the seminar. He also presented a documentary on Professor Mobin Khan's distinguished professional life. Dr Tanvir Ahmad delivered the welcome address, while Dr Tahmina Mahabub conducted the programme.

The panel of experts included Professor Dr Golam Azam, Head of the Department of Hepatology at BIRDEM; Professor Dr Abdullah Al Mahmud, Head of Hepatology at Chattogram Medical College; Professor Dr Abdullah Al Faruk, Head of Hepatology at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College; Professor Dr ABM Shakil Gani, Head of Hepatology at Dhaka Medical College; Professor Dr Fazal Karim, Head of Hepatology at Sir Salimullah Medical College; Professor Dr A B M Safiullah and Professor Dr Zahidur Rahman of BMU's Department of Gastroenterology; and Associate Professor Md Asaduzzaman of the Department of Hepatology at Mugda Medical College.

Specialist physicians from medical colleges and hospitals across the country attended the seminar. Alongside paying tribute to Professor Mobin Khan, they exchanged knowledge and experience on emerging and potentially effective approaches to hepatitis B treatment.

The programme concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing research, medical education and professional collaboration to help ensure improved, effective and affordable treatment for patients.

//DBTech/MVR/SMP/MIST//