Researchers published a Nature Communications study demonstrating an RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic that substantially reduces hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers and supports the prospect of a functional cure. The team reported potent suppression of viral transcripts and antigenemia in preclinical models, indicating the approach can target persistent viral reservoirs. The study includes detailed molecular readouts and translational endpoints intended to inform first-in-human dosing. RNAi uses small interfering RNAs to selectively degrade viral RNAs; this study advances delivery and durability benchmarks that have constrained prior HBV efforts. The paper frames RNAi as a complementary modality to nucleos(t)ide analogs and immune-restorative strategies, and it highlights biomarkers sponsors should track in early clinical trials.