Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver that affects about 2.4 million people in the United States. Direct-acting antiviral pills cure more than 95% of cases in 8–12 weeks with minimal side effects. Current research focuses on reaching underserved populations, preventing reinfection in people who inject drugs, and developing vaccines.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing shorter treatment courses, single-dose therapies, and combinations that work across all hepatitis C genotypes. Researchers are studying ways to integrate hepatitis C treatment into harm reduction programs and testing vaccines that could prevent infection. Studies also examine how to reverse liver scarring after cure and manage persistent symptoms some people report after clearing the virus.
Single-dose and ultra-short regimens
Researchers are testing combination therapies that could cure hepatitis C in as little as four weeks or even a single dose. These approaches could expand treatment to settings where an 8-week course is logistically difficult.
Preventive vaccines
Several vaccine candidates are in development that aim to prevent hepatitis C infection or reduce severity if infection occurs. A successful vaccine would be especially valuable for people who inject drugs and face ongoing exposure risk.
Post-cure liver repair
Studies are examining whether liver scarring (fibrosis) reverses after hepatitis C cure and testing treatments that might accelerate healing. Some trials also investigate persistent fatigue and other symptoms that some people experience despite clearing the virus.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on hepatitis C genotype, liver scarring stage, prior treatment history, HIV status, and whether someone has active substance use.
What types of trials are currently open
- Treatment trials — Testing shorter courses of direct-acting antivirals or new combinations that work across all viral genotypes with fewer pills.
- Prevention trials — Testing vaccines designed to prevent hepatitis C infection or reduce disease severity in people at high risk.
- Reinfection studies — Following people who inject drugs after cure to understand reinfection patterns and test prevention strategies.
- Liver health trials — Testing treatments to reverse liver scarring or prevent liver cancer in people cured of hepatitis C.
- Implementation studies — Testing ways to deliver hepatitis C treatment in prisons, addiction treatment centers, and other community settings to reach more people.
Recently added Hepatitis C trials
Hepatitis C Pharmacist, Physician, Patient Navigator Collaborative Care Model in Permanent Supportive Housing
The objective of this study is to extend our prior research by conducting a pragmatic implementation trial using a parallel-group, cluster randomized design to evaluate the PPP-CCM's ability to improve access to DAAs for HCV within a network of permanent supportive housing (PSH) buildings in Seattle and King County. The study will implement PPP-CCM to 16 housing buildings, randomizing half to receive PPP-CCM (intervention) versus usual care (UC) for 12-months, after which all buildings will have access to PPP-CCM. All buildings will have access to point-of-care HCV screening for the first 6 months of the study. Study outcome data will be collected through a longitudinal cohort-study of persons who screened positive for HCV which will conduct surveys and review of medical records at baseline, 12- and 24-months.
Take a nutritional supplement to support liver health
The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a nutritional supplement containing resveratrol, quercetin, taurine, inulin, and whey protein improves biochemical and molecular markers, as well as clinical outcomes, in patients with liver disease related to chronic hepatitis C infection. The study will compare the investigational supplement with an active control (whey protein alone) to determine whether the combination formulation provides additional benefits on liver-related biomarkers and clinical assessment. Participants will: Take the investigational supplement or active control daily for 12 weeks. Attend clinic visits every 4 weeks for laboratory testing and clinical evaluations.
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