NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Low-threshold hepatitis C treatment in jail to help people released back to the community

Official title: Implementing a Low-Threshold Hepatitis C Treatment in a Jail Setting

Funded at Rhode Island Hospital · NIH-11394546 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A patient-friendly plan to test a simple, quick hepatitis C treatment in jail for people who use drugs, with care that continues after release.

More Hepatitis C research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRhode Island Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Providence, United States)
Project startSeptember 15, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$235,230
NIH project number5R34DA061732-03
Project IDNIH-11394546 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with hepatitis C (with or without HIV co-infection) who are incarcerated in jails and are willing to participate and be linked to community care after release.

Less likely to help

People without hepatitis C or those not planning to seek post-release care may not benefit.

What this research studies

This grant tests a streamlined hepatitis C treatment approach in jail settings to help people who inject drugs access care without barriers. It uses a minimally monitored protocol with take‑home medications and support from community health workers to help patients stay on track after they are released. The study will measure whether this approach is feasible in the jail environment and whether it leads to successful treatment completion and linkage to ongoing care. By focusing on a high-risk, underserved population, the project aims to reduce hepatitis C transmission and improve health outcomes after release.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could expand access to hepatitis C treatment for incarcerated individuals and improve health outcomes after release.

How similar studies have gone: Prior MINMON-style approaches have shown promise, but applying them in jail settings is novel and requires feasibility testing.

Where this research is happening

  • Rhode Island Hospital
    Providence, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Berk, Justin — Rhode Island Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Berk, Justin

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.