NCT05653232 · Johns Hopkins University
Prophylaxis With Direct-acting Antivirals for Kidney Transplantation From HCV-Infected Donors to Uninfected Recipients
(PREVENT-HCV)
What this study is about
This study is being done to find out the best time to start medication for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in HCV-negative recipients of HCV-positive (HCV D+/R-) kidney transplants. Participants will be randomly assigned into one of two groups: treatment group$1 1 - Prophylaxis: This group will start the HCV medication before transplant and will take a shorter course of HCV medication for 2 weeks.
View original scientific description
This study is being done to find out the best time to start medication for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in HCV-negative recipients of HCV-positive (HCV D+/R-) kidney transplants. Participants will be randomized into one of two groups: Arm 1 - Prophylaxis: This group will start the HCV medication before transplant and will take a shorter course of HCV medication for 2 weeks. Arm 2 - Transmit and Treat: This group will start the HCV medication after transplant and will take the full course (12 weeks) of HCV medication.
Interventions
OTHER
Prophylaxis (P2W)
For participants enrolled in P2W arm, the initial dose of SOF/VEL will be administered to the recipient when called to the operating room for transplant (typically 1-3 hours prior to the start of surgery). Post-transplant, SOF/VEL will be continued daily for 13 days post-KT (a total of 14 doses administered).
OTHER
Transmit and Treat (T&T)
For participants enrolled in T\&T arm, SOF/VEL will begin between post-KT day 0 and post-KT day 14. Participants will be clinically-prescribed DAAs once viremia is detected, and participant's insurance will be petitioned to obtain treatment as soon as possible. If insurance-provided DAAs are approved before post-KT day 14, participant will begin 12 weeks of study-provided SOF/VEL on date of insurance-provided DAAs approval. If insurance-provided DAAs are not approved by post-KT day 14, study-provided SOF/VEL will begin on post-KT day 14 and continue for 12 weeks.
Primary outcome measures
Composite event of HCV-related or HCV treatment-related death, fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis, or HCV relapse
Time frame: Within 26 weeks of transplant
Proportion of events in each arm.
Number of participants with liver injury
Time frame: The first 28 days post-transplant
Measured with a longitudinal model of Alanine aminotransferase (ALT).
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
- Participant meets the standard criteria for KT at local center.
- Participant is able to understand and provide informed consent.
- Participant is ≥ 18 years old.
Exclusion criteria
- Participant has active HCV infection (detectable HCV RNA) at time of screening.
- Participant has cirrhosis or advanced liver fibrosis.
- Participant's aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or ALT \> 2.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), within 60 days of screen.
- Participant has human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV), or active hepatitis B (HBV) infection.
- Participant is unable to safely substitute or discontinue a medication that is contraindicated with the study medication.
- Past or current medical problems, which may pose additional risks from participation in the study, interfere with the participant's ability to comply with study, or impact the quality of the data obtained from the study.
- Participant is pregnant or breastfeeding.
Where
- La Jolla, California
- Loma Linda, California
- Baltimore, Maryland
- New York, New York
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Richmond, Virginia
- Madison, Wisconsin
Collaborators
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Related conditions & keywords
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 Feb 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations