Improving hepatitis C treatment in drug treatment clinics

Enhancing Treatment of Hepatitis C in Opioid Substitution Settings II (ETHOS II): A Partnership Project to Enhance Hepatitis C Care in Drug and Alcohol Clinics

Not applicable Interventional Kirby Institute · NCT03685045

This study is testing if providing hepatitis C testing and treatment directly at drug treatment clinics can help people who use drugs get better care for their hepatitis C.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment6000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKirby Institute Government
Locations29 sites (Brookvale, New South Wales and 28 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03685045 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The ETHOS ENGAGE project aims to enhance hepatitis C virus (HCV) care in drug treatment clinics and needle and syringe programs across New South Wales, Australia. This non-randomised trial will assess the impact of on-site HCV RNA testing, liver fibrosis assessment, and linkage to care to improve access to direct-acting antiviral therapy for individuals with a history of injecting drug use. Participants will also complete a survey and may consent to link their data with existing population databases for comprehensive analysis. The project is part of a larger initiative to develop a framework for HCV screening and treatment in similar settings nationwide.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18 and older with a history of injecting drug use, recent injecting drug use, or those currently receiving opioid substitution therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of injecting drug use or are not receiving opioid substitution therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this project could significantly improve access to effective hepatitis C treatment for vulnerable populations.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in enhancing HCV treatment access in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participant has voluntarily signed the informed consent form;
* 18 years of age or older;
* History of injecting drug use\*;
* Recent injecting drug use (previous six months) or currently receiving OST\*.

  * These criteria will not apply for recruitment from residential rehabilitation centres

Exclusion Criteria:

* Nil

Where this trial is running

Brookvale, New South Wales and 28 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.
Conditions Hepatitis Chepatitis copioid substitution settingsOSTpeople who inject drugsdirect-acting antiviral treatment
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.