Christopher O'Brien, MD

He has published extensively and is the author of more than 180 abstracts, papers, and book chapters. 

Reviewer

• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Hepatology
• American Journal of Gastroenterology
• World Journal of Gastroenterology
• Clinical & Experimental Gastroenterology

Editorial Boards

• World Journal of Gastroenterology
• Clinical & Experimental Gastroenterology
• Case Reports in Medicine

Research:

Dr. O’Brien’s research credentials are extensive, and he has served as the Principal Investigator of more than 80 Phase 1 to Phase 4 clinical trials investigating new treatments for chronic liver disease.  He was, in addition, Co-Investigator for more than 360 clinical trials at the Center for Liver Diseases.  As the Science Reviewer for the Center for Liver Diseases, he has been responsible for the overview of 139 research trials at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine.

The major thrust of his research has been the development of novel drugs to treat various liver diseases.  He pioneered and conceived the first use of ursodiol for the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis about 30 years ago. This has gone on to revolutionize the treatment for both previously untreatable liver diseases.

In addition, many years were spent developing various forms of antiviral therapies for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and hepatitis D.  Dr. O’Brien was on the initial NEJM paper for the first use of interferon treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Interferon was then applied to chronic hepatitis C and later followed by novel injectable agents such as Ampligen and interleukin-2.  Many clinical trials involving oral antiviral agents for both hepatitis B and hepatitis C evolved shortly thereafter.  The results of these studies culminated in the approval of the oral drugs for hepatitis B and hepatitis C that are commonly in use today.

Several years then were spent in the development of novel agents to prevent rejection or develop immunotolerance in liver transplants. 

Currently, his attention has turned toward stem cell research in an attempt to prevent progression of fibrosis or even reverse the development of end-stage liver disease.

Print Interviews:

Local

• Penn Pulse: Therapeutic Update: Interferons, 1991
• Penn Today: Cutting Edge Research in a Clinical Setting, 1992
• Penn Today: TIPS: Salvaging Blood, Saving Lives, 1992
• Penn Today: Liver Transplantation, 1993
• HUP Date: Being There (Post Liver Transplantation), 1993
• Penn Today: A National Leader in Liver Transplantation, 1994
• HUP Date: An Ounce of Prevention (HBV Vaccine), 1996
• Miami Magazine: Center for Liver Diseases 2006

Regional

• Philadelphia Inquirer: Penn Helps Discover Cure for Hepatitis B   (Front Page), Aug 1990
• Philadelphia Inquirer: FDA Checks Blood Product as a Possible    Source of Hepatitis C, Apr 1994
• Philadelphia Magazine:  World Class Doctors, May 1997

Television Interviews:

National

• Toxic Effects of Herbal Teas:  American Journal, 1993
• Reticulose (Therapy of Hepatitis):  48 Hours, Jan 1995

Local

• Hepatitis Screening: Action News, Channel 6, Oct, 1992
• Hepatitis C: Fox TV, Channel 29, 1994
• Hepatitis C:  10: 00 News, Channel 10, March 1995
• Hepatitis Vaccine:  Fox TV, Channel 29, Oct 1995
• Micky Mantle Transplantation:  11:00 News, Channel 3, June 1995
• Hep-C 101, Channel 36, Aug 2001
• Deciphering Laboratory Tests, Channel 36, Aug 2001
• The Role of Ultrasound and Liver Biopsy, Channel 36, Aug 2001
• Treatments Now and Beyond, Channel 36, Aug 2001
• Treatment Training and Compliance Tips, Channel 36, Aug 2001
• Employee Health - Aggressive Post-Exposure Management and Treatment, Channel 36, Aug 2001
• HCV / HIV Coinfection, Channel 36, Aug 2001
• Liver Transplant, Channel 36, Aug 2001      

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As of 2025-08-19, Dr. O'Brien has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing.

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