How often to treat schistosomiasis to protect the liver
Official title: An RCT to Evaluate Treatment Modalities to Halt the Progression of Schistosomiasis Related Hepatic Fibrosis
Funded at Rhode Island Hospital · NIH-11607872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A randomized trial will test different frequencies ofPraziquantel treatment to prevent liver damage in people aged 15–40 with schistosomiasis in Uganda.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rhode Island Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $279,320 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AI184979-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11607872 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals aged 15 to 40 years with schistosomiasis in the Lake Albert region who can participate in a long-term follow-up study.
✕Less likely to help
People outside the eligible age range or without schistosomiasis in the study area may not benefit from this trial.
What this research studies
This project invites adults and adolescents with schistosomiasis to participate in a large, multi-year study in Lake Albert, Uganda, to see if giving praziquantel more or less often can slow or halt liver fibrosis. Participants will be randomly assigned to different treatment schedules and followed over time with imaging and clinical assessments. The study aims to identify a treatment plan that prevents progression to portal hypertension and related complications. Results could guide international guidelines for managing schistosomiasis-related liver disease and improve long-term health outcomes for affected communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could establish a treatment schedule that reduces liver fibrosis and related complications for people with schistosomiasis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests that treatment frequency can influence disease progression, but this exact dosing strategy in this population is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rhode Island Hospital
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Friedman, Jennifer F — Rhode Island Hospital
- Study coordinator: Friedman, Jennifer F
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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.