Developing a quick test to diagnose active Hepatitis C infections
Official title: Rapid Antigen Test for Diagnosis of Active HCV Infection
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11056205 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a quick and easy test to help people find out if they have an active Hepatitis C infection, making it simpler for those at risk to get diagnosed and treated right away.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 18, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $272,133 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI180263-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056205 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Hepatitis C infection, including those in low- and middle-income countries and injecting drug users.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed and receiving treatment for Hepatitis C may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a rapid antigen test for diagnosing active Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, which affect millions globally. The approach involves developing a low-cost, instrument-free test that can be used at the point of care, making it accessible to at-risk populations. By detecting HCV core antigens in the blood, the test aims to identify individuals who are unaware of their infection status, thereby facilitating timely treatment and reducing transmission rates. The methodology includes immunizing mice to produce specific antibodies that can be used in the test.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve early diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis C, potentially saving lives and reducing the spread of the virus.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing rapid tests for viral infections, indicating that this approach could be effective for Hepatitis C as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Herrera, Bobby Brooke — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Herrera, Bobby Brooke
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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.