Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), transmitted mainly through blood contact, and a leading cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer worldwide. The development of direct-acting antiviral drugs has made hepatitis C curable in over 95% of treated patients with a short oral course, but millions remain undiagnosed or untreated.
What's actually going on in research
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) combining NS5B inhibitors, NS5A inhibitors, and protease inhibitors have transformed hepatitis C from a difficult-to-treat chronic infection to a curable one in most cases. Current trials focus on very difficult-to-treat populations — those with decompensated cirrhosis, prior DAA failures, and severe kidney disease — as well as simplified treatment models for low-income settings and the development of a prophylactic vaccine. Long-term outcomes including reversal of cirrhosis and liver cancer prevention after cure are also being studied.
Vaccine development
A preventive hepatitis C vaccine has been a long-standing challenge due to the virus's high genetic diversity; trials are now testing vector-based and mRNA vaccines designed to elicit broad T cell and antibody responses.
Hard-to-treat populations
Trials are refining DAA regimens for patients with decompensated cirrhosis, prior NS5A inhibitor failure, and severe kidney impairment — the groups least likely to be cured by standard first-line treatments.
Simplified treatment access
Studies are evaluating nurse-led, pharmacy-based, and decentralized HCV treatment models to reach undiagnosed or marginalized populations and close the gap between current cure rates and elimination targets.
What to know before you search
Eligibility depends on HCV genotype, prior treatment history, degree of liver fibrosis, and kidney function.
What types of trials are currently open
- Direct-acting antiviral trials — Testing new or combination DAA regimens for patients who failed prior treatment or have advanced liver disease.
- Vaccine trials — Evaluating preventive vaccines targeting HCV to interrupt transmission in high-risk populations.
- Cirrhosis reversal trials — Studying whether liver fibrosis improves after HCV cure and what co-interventions accelerate recovery.
- Simplified access trials — Testing decentralized treatment delivery models to increase cure rates in underserved populations.
- Liver cancer prevention trials — Evaluating whether HCV cure reduces hepatocellular carcinoma risk and which surveillance intervals are appropriate post-cure.
Recently added Hepatitis C trials
Evaluation of the Hepatoprotective Effects of a Nutritional Supplement in Patients With Liver Disease Secondary to Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection (RESQUETI Study).
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.
California MEPS Hub
The California Hub for HIV/SUD Prevention Research with Reentry Populations addresses the question: "Can the evidence-based MEPS intervention be adapted and implemented at a range of organizations to effectively serve a wider range of clients?" The Mobile Enhanced Prevention Support (MEPS) intervention was originally implemented in Los Angeles County and was proven successful in promoting biomedical HIV prevention (PrEP) uptake and preventative screenings in people who used drugs who recently left incarceration. MEPS is an evidence-based intervention for people with substance use disorders (SUD) that incorporates a client-centered planning session, including trained peer mentors, service utilization incentives, and a mobile application (GeoPass). The study includes a randomized controlled trial (RCT) across three community partners located in Riverside and Alameda Counties. At least 300 people will be enrolled in these three counties; the first 200 will be randomized to either receive the intervention or usual care, with the final 100 all receiving the intervention. The primary implementation outcome for the study involves using an implementation science framework and assessment tools to examine MEPS's implementation. Key outcomes include how well the implementation strategies used support intervention enrollment and retention, integration with existing services in each partnering community agency, and perceived intervention acceptability, feasibility, appropriateness, and maintenance at 6- and 12-months. The primary effectiveness outcome for the study is an increase in HIV testing, PrEP uptake and adherence, and SUD service utilization at 6 months and 12 months in the MEPS compared to the usual care group. Secondary effectiveness outcomes include frequency of service use for SUDs, hepatitis C virus testing, and linkage to care for those who test positive for HIV or hepatitis C.
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