Improving Hepatitis C Care for People Who Inject Drugs
Prospects for hepatitis C elimination in networks of people who inject drugs through improvements in the care continuum
This project uses computer models to understand the best ways to eliminate hepatitis C among people who inject drugs, especially those also living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11333521 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people who inject drugs in the U.S. are affected by hepatitis C, and often also by HIV. This project creates detailed computer models that simulate how hepatitis C and HIV spread within communities of people who inject drugs. By using these models, researchers can test different strategies for improving hepatitis C care, from diagnosis to treatment, and see which ones are most effective and affordable. The goal is to find the best approaches to reduce new infections and improve health outcomes for this population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research aims to benefit people who inject drugs, particularly those with hepatitis C and/or HIV, by informing better care strategies and public health policies.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by hepatitis C or HIV, or those who do not inject drugs, would not directly benefit from the specific findings of this modeling work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective and cost-efficient health policies that significantly reduce hepatitis C and HIV infections and their complications among people who inject drugs.
How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have shown the effectiveness of some interventions, this project is novel in its focus on population-level impact and cost-effectiveness through dynamic network modeling.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Lin — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Lin
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 below.