Rapid point-of-care Hepatitis C test with a long-lasting glowing signal
Official title: Rapid point of care Hepatitis C virus detection using a long-lasting luminescent cascade signal amplification
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11237148 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is creating a fast, low-cost bedside test to detect active Hepatitis C infections for people in underserved and remote communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | November 22, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $875,816 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI187513-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11237148 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people at risk for or suspected of having active Hepatitis C infection, especially those in underserved, remote, or tribal communities.
✕Less likely to help
People without active Hepatitis C infection or those who only need antibody screening would not directly benefit from this diagnostic-focused work.
What this research studies
You would get a single, quick test at the clinic that looks for active Hepatitis C infection instead of waiting for separate antibody and RNA results. The test uses a long-lasting luminescent cascade to amplify tiny amounts of virus so results can be seen without large lab machines. Researchers will develop the assay in the lab, check its accuracy against standard RNA tests, and pilot it at clinics and partner community sites with attention to groups like American Indian and Alaska Native people. The goal is faster diagnosis, less loss to follow-up, and earlier connection to treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could allow same-day diagnosis and faster linkage to Hepatitis C treatment without expensive laboratory testing.
How similar studies have gone: Existing HCV core antigen assays and some rapid antigen tests have shown promise, but using a long-lasting luminescent cascade at the point of care is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shafiee, Hadi — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Shafiee, Hadi
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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.