Treating schistosomiasis-related liver scarring: a new approach for people ages 15–40
Official title: An RCT to Evaluate Treatment Modalities to Halt the Progression of Schistosomiasis Related Hepatic Fibrosis
Funded at Rhode Island Hospital · NIH-11421476 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large trial in Uganda will test different schedules of praziquantel to see if more frequent treatment can prevent liver scarring from schistosomiasis and improve outcomes for teens, young adults, and adults.
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) | $425,388 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI184979-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11421476 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals aged 15–40 living in or near Lake Albert, Uganda, with schistosomiasis who consent to participate.
✕Less likely to help
People outside the age range, without schistosomiasis, or unable to commit to follow-up may not benefit.
What this research studies
This study invites people aged 15 to 40 in Lake Albert, Uganda, to participate in a randomized trial comparing how often praziquantel is given. Participants will be assigned to different treatment frequencies to see which plan best reduces liver fibrosis caused by schistosomiasis. The trial will monitor liver health, disease symptoms, and safety over time, using standard clinical assessments and imaging where appropriate. Results could guide new treatment routines to protect people in endemic areas and travelers who encounter the parasite.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could lead to more effective treatment schedules that prevent serious liver damage from schistosomiasis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has explored praziquantel dosing, but this trial tests higher-frequency treatment and its impact on fibrosis, which is relatively 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.