Active HCV diagnosis to prevent liver cancer in Africa with a new DASH test
Official title: Active HCV diagnosis to support prevention of HCC in LMICs
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11535350 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A National Institute of Health-funded project aims to develop and validate a simpler HCV diagnostic test to help people in Sub-Saharan Africa get timely treatment and reduce liver cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $31,378 |
| NIH project number | 3U01CA292771-03S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535350 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Nigeria, with suspected or confirmed HCV exposure who may require improved diagnostic confirmation.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without HCV exposure or those outside the target regions may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This grant focuses on improving HCV diagnosis in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially Nigeria, where burden is high. Researchers will test and validate a new DASH™ platform-based test to confirm active HCV infection, addressing the current two-step process that delays care. The work includes cases of adults in Africa and emphasizes making diagnostics more accessible where infrastructure is limited. The project spans collaboration with Northwestern University and aims to pave the way for earlier treatment and better outcomes for people at risk of HCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could streamline diagnosis, shorten time to treatment, and lower liver cancer deaths in high-burden regions.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown diagnostic improvements can reduce loss to follow-up, but this specific DASH™ platform validation in LMIC settings is comparatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcfall, Sally Maureen — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Mcfall, Sally Maureen
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.