NCT07471542 · University of Washington
Copper Supplementation in Cirrhosis
What this study is about
End stage liver disease or cirrhosis is a major cause of mortality in the United States and the world. Other than targeting the underlying cause, such as alcohol cessation and antiviral therapy, very few medical treatments can change the natural history of cirrhosis. Malnutrition is one of the few potentially modifiable factors that have been associated with cirrhosis severity and poor prognosis.
View original scientific description
End stage liver disease or cirrhosis is a major cause of mortality in the United States and the world. Other than targeting the underlying cause, such as alcohol cessation and antiviral therapy, very few medical treatments can change the natural history of cirrhosis. Malnutrition is one of the few potentially modifiable factors that have been associated with cirrhosis severity and poor prognosis. The transition metal copper (Cu) is an essential trace metal that must be acquired from diet. Its metabolism is primarily regulated by the liver in its role as a master regulator of nutrients. In 2019, the investigators reported that Cu deficiency defined by below normal serum or liver concentrations occurred in a wide range of liver disorders and was associated with a severe disease phenotype. Improvement in liver function was observed in 2 of the 3 patients who received Cu supplementation. In 2023, the investigators conducted a longitudinal cohort study utilizing clinical, serum and liver explant tissue data from 183 cirrhosis patients. The investigators showed that Cu deficiency was associated with 2-fold higher infection rate and a more than 3-fold increase in the risk of death compared to patients with normal Cu status. These preliminary findings and the well-established importance of Cu in human health prompted the investigators to design the current pilot randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial to determine the effect of Cu supplementation on Cu dependent biochemical changes, patient safety and patient reported outcomes in cirrhosis.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adult patients age 18 or older with confirmed diagnosis of cirrhosis based on clinical history, exam, imaging, laboratory or histological criteria;
- Cirrhosis patients whose serum or plasma Cu are below the normal range (80-155 ug/dL for women and 70-140 ug/dL for men);
- Cirrhosis patients whose serum or plasma Cu are in the normal range but exhibit at least one clinical feature that has been associated with Cu deficiency. These include history of infections, unexplained anemia, severe leukopenia, iron overload, unexplained neurological symptoms such as ataxia or myelopathy, coagulopathy with spontaneous bleeding. Patients must meet inclusion criteria 1 AND 2, or 1 AND 3 in order to be considered for the trial
Exclusion criteria
- Patients with Wilson disease, cholestatic liver diseases including primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, all of which are associated with Cu overload;
- Patients with fulminant hepatic failure;
- Renal failure with a creatinine clearance \<25 ml/minute;
- Hepatic encephalopathy more than grade 2 (Hepatic Encephalopathy in Chronic Liver Disease, 2014);
- MELD score \>25 to minimize subject dropout due to been too ill;
- Serious non-liver related medical illnesses such as cardiopulmonary and renal diseases and non-liver malignancies;
- Active alcohol use;
Where
- Seattle, Washington
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations