Decentralized treatment for hepatitis C in Brazil

Randomized Open-label and Non-inferiority Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety, Adherence, and Cost-effectiveness of Simplified and Decentralized Hepatitis C Treatment in Primary Health Care Compared to Standard-of-care in the Brazilian Public Health System

PHASE4 · Oswaldo Cruz Foundation · NCT06306300

This study is testing a new way to treat hepatitis C in Brazil using a medication called Epclusa to see if it helps more people get the care they need compared to traditional methods.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 79 Years
SexAll
SponsorOswaldo Cruz Foundation (other)
Locations2 sites (Rio de Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro/RJ and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06306300 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of decentralized treatment for hepatitis C using direct-acting antivirals compared to standard-of-care approaches in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It aims to address the barriers to diagnosis and treatment access for the estimated 650,000 individuals living with chronic hepatitis C in the country. The study will involve administering the antiviral medication Epclusa to participants aged 18-79 who have a confirmed hepatitis C infection. By leveraging rapid testing and non-invasive methods for liver assessment, the study seeks to improve the continuum of care for hepatitis C patients in Brazil.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-79 with active or chronic hepatitis C.

Not a fit: Patients with acute illnesses, severe liver disease, or co-infections such as HIV or HBV may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly increase the rates of hepatitis C cure among patients in Brazil.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown high cure rates with direct-acting antivirals, indicating potential success for this decentralized approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Study I and Sub-Study

Inclusion Criteria:

- Age between 18-79 years-old

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of a disease that need urgent/emergency treatment and/or acute febrile illness, such as COVID-19, Dengue, Zyca virus infection or Chikungunya
* Lack of capacity to sign the informed consent or refuse to participate

Study II

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 79 years old.
* Presence of active/chronic hepatitis C, defined by a positive HCVab test and detectable HCV-RNA

Exclusion Criteria:

* Children and adolescents (\< 18 years old)
* Pregnancy, defined by a positive β-HCG urinary test
* Lactating individuals
* Co-infection with HBV or HIV
* Regular use of medications with potential drug interactions or contraindication for co-administration with SOF/VEL
* Presence of severe acute illness, active neoplasia, solid organ transplant, or use of immunosuppressive medications
* Presence of clinical signs of decompensated liver cirrhosis (ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, report of a recent episode of gastrointestinal bleeding within the last 12 weeks)

Where this trial is running

Rio de Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro/RJ and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hepatitis C, Hepatitis C virus, Primary health care, Hepatitis C virus self-test

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.