Improving access to hepatitis C treatment in rural Kentucky
Official title: Increasing Access to Hepatitis C Treatment in Opioid Endemic Rural Areas: the Kentucky Viral Hepatitis Treatment (KeY Treat) Study
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10671703 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to make it easier for people in rural Appalachian communities, especially in Perry County, Kentucky, to get treatment for hepatitis C, especially those affected by opioid use, by providing affordable medications and support services to help them access care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2018 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $753,883 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA047952-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10671703 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are residents of Perry County, Kentucky, who are RNA-positive for hepatitis C.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in Perry County or are not infected with hepatitis C may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance access to hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment in rural Appalachian communities, particularly in Perry County, Kentucky, where opioid use is prevalent. The project will focus on removing barriers to treatment, such as high costs and insurance restrictions, by providing direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and additional support services like medication-assisted treatment and case management. Participants will be recruited from the local community, and the study will evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in increasing treatment uptake and reducing HCV burden.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the health outcomes of individuals with hepatitis C in rural areas by making treatment more accessible.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing barriers to hepatitis C treatment can lead to improved access and health outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Havens, Jennifer R — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Havens, Jennifer R
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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.