Using HIV-positive organs for liver transplants in HIV-positive patients

HOPE in Action: A Clinical Trial of HIV-to-HIV Liver Transplantation

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10492082

This study is looking at whether liver transplants from HIV-positive donors to HIV-positive patients are safe and effective, with the goal of helping more people get the organs they need faster.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10492082 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the safety and effectiveness of liver transplantation from HIV-positive donors to HIV-positive recipients. It aims to address the severe organ shortage and high waitlist mortality faced by HIV-infected individuals needing liver transplants. By expanding the donor pool to include HIV-positive deceased donors, the study seeks to improve transplant outcomes and reduce waiting times for patients. The research will involve a multicenter clinical trial to gather data on the risks and benefits of this approach.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are HIV-positive individuals suffering from end-stage liver disease who are in need of a liver transplant.

Not a fit: Patients who are not HIV-positive or those with liver disease not related to HIV or its complications may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce wait times for liver transplants and improve survival rates for HIV-positive patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been limited cases of HIV-positive liver transplants, this approach is largely novel and untested on a larger scale.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immuno-Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunologic Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.