OHSU scientists develop first transgenic model for hepatitis B research

The genetically modified animal model could lead to new treatments for the global disease

By Angela Yeager February 12, 2025 Portland, Oregon

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Burwitz lab - studying hepatitis B virus

Lauren Rust, Ph.D., assistant staff scientist, works in the lab of Benjamin J. Burwitz, Ph.D., in the Oregon National Primate Research Center. Burwitz and Rust have developed the first transgenic nonhuman primate model — genetically modified to carry a human gene — for studying hepatitis B virus. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

Benjamin Burwitz, Ph.D. (OHSU)

Lauren Rust, Ph.D. (OHSU)

Burwitz lab - studying hepatitis B virus

Lauren Rust, Ph.D., assistant staff scientist, opens a cryogenic freezer in the lab of Benjamin J. Burwitz, Ph.D., in the Oregon National Primate Research Center. Burwitz and Rust have developed the first transgenic nonhuman primate model — genetically modified to carry a human gene — for studying hepatitis B virus. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)