Janus Ong, MD, MPH

POSITIONS: Assistant to Vice Chancellor for Research, University of the Philippines Manila (2024-present) • Associate Professor, UP College of Medicine (2022-present) • Consultant Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Philippine General Hospital & The Medical City (2007-present) EDUCATION: MD, University of the Philippines Manila (1992) • MPH, Johns Hopkins University (2004) • Residency, Yale University Internal Medicine (1997) • Fellowship, Cleveland Clinic Gastroenterology (2000) • Fellowship, National Institutes of Health (2001) CERTIFICATIONS: American Board of Internal Medicine: Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Transplant Hepatology • PRC License: 0078742 HONORS: UP Scientist III (2023-2025) • Distinguished Award, Hepatology Society Philippines (2024) • Presidential Award, Hepatology Society Philippines (2018) • Honorary Fellow, Philippine Society of Gastroenterology (2018) • Faculty Gold Medal/Valedictorian, UP College of Medicine (1993) RESEARCH LEADERSHIP: Program Head, UP-NIH Liver Research Program (2021-present) • Principal Investigator, 21+ international clinical trials including EMERALD-2 and -3 (Phase III hepatocellular carcinoma), COSMIC-312 (advanced HCC), multiple hepatitis B/C antiviral studies GLOBAL HEALTH SERVICE: WHO Guidelines Development Group, Hepatitis B Treatment (2023) • WHO Western Pacific Strategic Advisory Committee, Viral Hepatitis (2015-2020) • Philippines DOH Technical Working Group, Viral Hepatitis (2016-present) KEY PUBLICATIONS (2020-2025): • Younossi ZM, Ong JP, et al. Global Consensus Recommendations for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease. Gastroenterology 2025 • Ong JP, et al. Economic Evaluation of WHO Elimination Strategy for Hepatitis B Philippines. Acta Med Philippina 2025 • Polaris Observatory (Ong JP co-author). Global hepatitis B prevalence, cascade of care 2022. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023;8:879-907 • Younossi ZM, Ong JP, et al. Global Survey of Physicians Knowledge About NAFLD. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022;20:e1456-e1468 PUBLICATION RECORD: 87 peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Lancet, NEJM) EDITORIAL/PROFESSIONAL: Editorial Board Member: Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, World Journal of Hepatology • Member: AASLD, EASL, AGA, Philippine Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology Society of the Philippines ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY RELEVANCE: Dr. Ong's expertise directly intersects with antimicrobial chemotherapy through extensive antiviral therapy research and clinical practice. As Principal Investigator in 21+ international trials for hepatitis B/C treatments, he has specialized experience with nucleos(t)ide analogues (tenofovir, entecavir, lamivudine, adefovir), interferons (pegylated interferon alfa-2a/2b), direct-acting antivirals (boceprevir, telaprevir), and ribavirin combinations. His WHO advisory role in developing global antiviral treatment guidelines affects millions worldwide. He leads implementation of evidence-based antiviral strategies across Southeast Asia and has 20+ years of clinical experience managing complex viral hepatitis requiring antimicrobial therapeutic interventions, making him uniquely qualified to contribute to ISAC's mission of advancing antimicrobial science and clinical practice.