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Intensive Models of HCV Care for Injection Drug Users

Intensive Models of HCV Care for Injection Drug Users

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01857245
Enrollment
150
Registered
2013-05-20
Start date
2013-10-01
Completion date
2017-04-30
Last updated
2025-02-03

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Hepatitis C, Medication Adherence

Keywords

addiction, Adherence (attribute), Adverse effects, Agonist, Antiviral Agents, arm, base, care delivery, Caring, Chronic Hepatitis C, Clinic, Clinical Trials, Complex, Computer Simulation, cost, cost effective, cost effectiveness, Data, Development, Directly Observed Therapy, Disease, Dose, Drug resistance, drug resistant virus, Educational aspects, Epidemic, experience, Frequencies (time pattern), Fright, Genotype, Group Therapy, Health Care Costs, Health Personnel, Healthcare Systems, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis C Prevalence, Hepatitis C Transmission, Hepatitis C virus, HIV, Homelessness, improved, Incidence, Infection, Injecting drug user, Injection of therapeutic agent, Intensive Care, Interferons, Intervention, Knowledge, Life, Liver diseases, Liver Failure, liver transplantation, Living Costs, Mental disorders, Methadone, methadone clinic/center, Modeling, Mortality Vital Statistics, Motivation, multidisciplinary, Opiates, Oral, Outcome, Patients, Persons, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Physicians, pill (pharmacologic), Play, Poverty, Primary Health Care, programs, Psychiatric therapeutic procedure, psychosocial, Publishing, Quality-Adjusted Life Years, Randomized, Randomized Controlled Trials, randomized trial, Recruitment Activity, Regimen, Resistance, Resistance development, response, Risk, risk perception, Role, Site, skills, Social support, standard care, substance abuse treatment, success, Time, Treatment outcome, Treatment Protocols, treatment site, Trust, United States, Viral, Virus

Brief summary

Injection drug users (IDUs) constitute 60% of the approximately 5 million people in the U.S. infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV treatment leading to sustained viral response (SVR) is associated with increased survival. However, IDUs have had poor access to HCV care and their success in HCV treatment has been limited. With direct-acting antiviral agents, HCV treatment delivered within large clinical trials leads to SVR or cure in over 70% of genotype-1 infected patients, compared to 45% with previous therapies. However, SVR rates are as low as 14% in real-world settings. The majority of patients who fail to achieve SVR will develop drug resistance, but the optimal adherence level to minimize resistance is unknown. If HCV treatment continues to be delivered within current models of care, most IDUs will not only fail treatment and develop resistance, but may transmit resistant viruses to others. We have previously developed a multidisciplinary model of HCV care which integrates on-site primary care, substance abuse treatment, psychiatric care, and HCV-related care within opiate agonist treatment clinics. To maximize treatment outcomes, we piloted two models of intensive HCV-related care: directly observed therapy (DOT), and concurrent group therapy (CGT). In our DOT model, pegylated interferon is administered once weekly, if applicable, and one daily dose of oral medication is administered at the methadone window. In our CGT model, patients initiate HCV treatment within a once weekly treatment group which provides powerful social support to mitigate fears of side effects, promote efficient education, and deliver weekly injections, if applicable. It is unknown whether either model is better or more cost-effective than standard on-site care. PREVAIL 1: In the proposed study, 150 IDUs with chronic HCV (genotype 1) will be recruited from methadone clinics and randomized to one of three models of care: DOT; concurrent group treatment; or standard on-site care. Our specific aims are: 1) To determine whether either of two intensive on-site HCV treatment models (DOT or concurrent group treatment) is more efficacious than standard on-site treatment for enhancing adherence and SVR, and decreasing drug resistance; (2) To determine the incidence and factors associated with the development of drug resistance in IDUs; (3) To perform cost and cost-effectiveness analyses of each model; (4) To examine the impact of HIV coinfection on adherence and virologic outcomes among HCV-infected IDUs. PREVAIL 2: In the proposed study, 60 IDUs with chronic HCV (genotypes 1 2, 3 and 4) will be recruited from opiate agonist treatment programs and started on HCV treatment. Subjects will be offered the choice of model of care (either standard on-site, DOT, or concurrent group treatment). Our specific aims are: (1) to determine rates of adherence and SVR in a cohort of opiate agonist treatment patients initiating treatment with sofosbuvir-based regimens and (2) to determine adherence rates over time in drug users (genotype 3 and genotype 1 / IFN-ineligible) initiating a 24 week IFN-free regimen. PREVAIL 3: In the proposed study, 60 IDUs with chronic HCV (genotype 1 and 4) will be recruited from opiate agonist treatment programs and started on HCV treatment. Subjects will be offered the choice of model of care (either standard on-site, DOT, or concurrent group treatment). Our specific aims are: (1) to determine rates of adherence and SVR in a cohort of opiate agonist treatment patients initiating treatment with oral DAA combination of sofosbuvir and simeprevir or fixed dose of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir and (2) to determine adherence rates over time in drug users.

Detailed description

PREVAIL 1: In the proposed study, 150 IDUs with chronic HCV (genotype 1) will be recruited from methadone clinics and randomized to one of three models of care: DOT; concurrent group treatment; or standard on-site care. Our specific aims are: 1) To determine whether either of two intensive on-site HCV treatment models (DOT or concurrent group treatment) is more efficacious than standard on-site treatment for enhancing adherence and SVR, and decreasing drug resistance; (2) To determine the incidence and factors associated with the development of drug resistance in IDUs; (3) To perform cost and cost-effectiveness analyses of each model; (4) To examine the impact of HIV coinfection on adherence and virologic outcomes among HCV-infected IDUs. PREVAIL 2: In the proposed study, 60 IDUs with chronic HCV (genotypes 1 2, 3 and 4) will be recruited from opiate agonist treatment programs and started on HCV treatment. Subjects will be offered the choice of model of care (either standard on-site, DOT, or concurrent group treatment). Our specific aims are: (1) to determine rates of adherence and SVR in a cohort of opiate agonist treatment patients initiating treatment with sofosbuvir-based regimens and (2) to determine adherence rates over time in drug users (genotype 3 and genotype 1 / IFN-ineligible) initiating a 24 week IFN-free regimen. PREVAIL 3: In the proposed study, 60 IDUs with chronic HCV (genotype 1 and 4) will be recruited from opiate agonist treatment programs and started on HCV treatment. Subjects will be offered the choice of model of care (either standard on-site, DOT, or concurrent group treatment). Our specific aims are: (1) to determine rates of adherence and SVR in a cohort of opiate agonist treatment patients initiating treatment with oral DAA combination of sofosbuvir and simeprevir or fixed dose of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir and (2) to determine adherence rates over time in drug users.

Interventions

OTHERIntensive Models (mDOT and CGT) of HCV Care

Modified Directly Observed therapy (mDOT) and concurrent group treatment (CGT) are on-site HCV treatment models.

Sponsors

Clemson University
CollaboratorOTHER
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
CollaboratorOTHER
Prisma Health-Upstate
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

Eligibility Ages Eligible for Study: 18 Years and older Genders Eligible for Study: Both PREVAIL 1: Inclusion Criteria: * HCV-infected, Genotype-1 * Treatment naïve or treatment experienced patients * Willing to receive HCV treatment on-site * Initiating treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) with or without ribavirin +/- pegylated interferon alfa-2a * Receiving methadone or buprenorphine in clinic at least one time per week * Age 18 or older * Able to provide informed consent * Psychiatrically stable * English or Spanish speaking * Currently enrolled in a methadone or buprenorphine treatment program in the designated clinics in the Bronx (Melrose, Port Morris, Waters Place)

Exclusion criteria

* Known hypersensitivity (allergy) to interferon, ribavirin or DAA * Psychiatrically unstable * Pregnant or breast-feeding PREVAIL 2: Inclusion Criteria: * HCV-infected, Genotype-1, , 2, 3, or 4 * Willing to receive HCV treatment on-site at an opiate agonist treatment program. * Initiating treatment with sofosbuvir and ribavirin +/- pegylated interferon alfa-2a * Age 18 or older * Able to provide informed consent * English or Spanish speaking * Currently a patient in one of the designated clinics in the Bronx (Melrose, Port Morris, Waters Place)

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Electronically Monitored Medication Adherence1-12 weeksHepatitis C medication adherence will be measured using electronic blister pack monitoring.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Sustained Virologic Response12 weeks after treatment completionUndetectable HCV RNA at posttreatment week 12.
HCV Treatment CompletionUp to 48 weeksCompletion of ≥80% of the planned treatment course. For example, ≥10 wk of a 12-wk course, or ≥20 wk of a 24-wk course.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

Hepatitis C virus-infected PWID from 3 OAT programs in Bronx, New York, were enrolled beginning in October 2013, and participants were followed until April 2017. Potential participants were referred by clinicians if they were eligible for HCV treatment on the basis of guidelines from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and Infectious Diseases Society of America (AASLD/IDSA). Eligibility was assessed by an oral screener and a confirmatory chart review.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Modified Directly Observed Therapy (mDOT)
In our mDOT model, pegylated interferon is administered once weekly, and one daily dose of oral medication is administered at the methadone window. Intensive Models (mDOT and CGT) of HCV Care: Modified Directly Observed therapy (mDOT) and concurrent group treatment (CGT) are on-site HCV treatment models.
51
Concurrent Group Treatment (CGT)
In our CGT model, patients initiate HCV treatment within a once weekly treatment group which provides social support to mitigate fears of side effects, promote efficient education, and deliver weekly injections. Intensive Models (mDOT and CGT) of HCV Care: Modified Directly Observed therapy (mDOT) and concurrent group treatment (CGT) are on-site HCV treatment models.
48
Treatment as Usual
In the TAU arm, subjects will receive all medications monthly (or more often as needed) at the clinic. Intensive Models (mDOT and CGT) of HCV Care: Modified Directly Observed therapy (mDOT) and concurrent group treatment (CGT) are on-site HCV treatment models.
51
Total150

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicModified Directly Observed Therapy (mDOT)Concurrent Group Treatment (CGT)Treatment as UsualTotal
Age, Continuous51.4 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10
51.2 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11
51.0 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11
51.2 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11
Alcohol use to intoxication (30 days before baseline)13 Participants11 Participants12 Participants36 Participants
Cirrhosis15 Participants16 Participants10 Participants41 Participants
Comorbid psychiatric conditions
Any
20 participants22 participants25 participants67 participants
Comorbid psychiatric conditions
Current manic episode
1 participants6 participants4 participants11 participants
Comorbid psychiatric conditions
Generalized anxiety disorder
8 participants10 participants10 participants28 participants
Comorbid psychiatric conditions
Major depressive episode
11 participants15 participants12 participants38 participants
Comorbid psychiatric conditions
Psychotic disorder
12 participants17 participants20 participants49 participants
DAA regimen
SOF/IFN/RBV
5 Participants3 Participants7 Participants15 Participants
DAA regimen
SOF/LDV
31 Participants38 Participants35 Participants104 Participants
DAA regimen
SOF/RBV
9 Participants3 Participants5 Participants17 Participants
DAA regimen
SOF/SMV
5 Participants2 Participants4 Participants11 Participants
DAA regimen
TVR/IFN/RBV
1 Participants2 Participants0 Participants3 Participants
Depression (PHQ-9)
Moderate or severe
18 Participants15 Participants20 Participants53 Participants
Depression (PHQ-9)
None or mild
33 Participants33 Participants31 Participants97 Participants
Employment Status
Employed
8 Participants10 Participants10 Participants28 Participants
Employment Status
Unemployed
43 Participants38 Participants41 Participants122 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
31 Participants24 Participants29 Participants84 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
20 Participants24 Participants22 Participants66 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
HCV subtype
1a
43 participants41 participants44 participants128 participants
HCV subtype
1b
8 participants7 participants7 participants22 participants
HIV/HCV co-infection6 Participants6 Participants9 Participants21 Participants
Homelessness
Homeless
9 Participants10 Participants15 Participants34 Participants
Homelessness
Housed
42 Participants38 Participants36 Participants116 Participants
IL28B Genotype
CC
9 Participants11 Participants13 Participants33 Participants
IL28B Genotype
TC
26 Participants26 Participants27 Participants79 Participants
IL28B Genotype
TT
16 Participants11 Participants11 Participants38 Participants
Injection drug use38 Participants40 Participants35 Participants113 Participants
Marital Status
Married (Living with partner)
18 Participants21 Participants16 Participants55 Participants
Marital Status
Not Married
33 Participants27 Participants35 Participants95 Participants
Opioid agonist pick-up schedule
1-3 per week
6 Participants12 Participants14 Participants32 Participants
Opioid agonist pick-up schedule
4-6 per week
45 Participants36 Participants37 Participants118 Participants
Opioid agonist therapy
Buprenorphine
0 participants1 participants2 participants3 participants
Opioid agonist therapy
Methadone
51 participants47 participants49 participants147 participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
1 Participants3 Participants1 Participants5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
12 Participants13 Participants13 Participants38 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants1 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
32 Participants27 Participants32 Participants91 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
6 Participants5 Participants4 Participants15 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
51 participants48 participants51 participants150 participants
Self-Reported Durg Use (30 days before baseline)
Amphetamines
3 Participants0 Participants1 Participants4 Participants
Self-Reported Durg Use (30 days before baseline)
Cocaine
12 Participants12 Participants12 Participants36 Participants
Self-Reported Durg Use (30 days before baseline)
Heroin
9 Participants9 Participants10 Participants28 Participants
Self-Reported Durg Use (30 days before baseline)
Other opioids/analgesics
10 Participants8 Participants15 Participants33 Participants
Self-Reported Durg Use (30 days before baseline)
Sedative/hypnotics/tranquilizers
9 Participants12 Participants12 Participants33 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
18 Participants16 Participants19 Participants53 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
33 Participants32 Participants32 Participants97 Participants
Treatment experienced43 Participants6 Participants6 Participants55 Participants
Urine Drug Screen (6 mo before baseline)
Any Drug
34 Number of participants34 Number of participants30 Number of participants98 Number of participants
Urine Drug Screen (6 mo before baseline)
Benzodiazepines
15 Number of participants15 Number of participants13 Number of participants43 Number of participants
Urine Drug Screen (6 mo before baseline)
Cocaine
24 Number of participants23 Number of participants24 Number of participants71 Number of participants
Urine Drug Screen (6 mo before baseline)
Opioids
23 Number of participants26 Number of participants21 Number of participants70 Number of participants
Urine drug screen (at baseline)
Amphetamines
0 participants0 participants0 participants0 participants
Urine drug screen (at baseline)
Any drug
26 participants23 participants25 participants74 participants
Urine drug screen (at baseline)
Benzodiazepines
9 participants4 participants10 participants23 participants
Urine drug screen (at baseline)
Cocaine
17 participants11 participants16 participants44 participants
Urine drug screen (at baseline)
Opioids/oxycodone
12 participants14 participants11 participants37 participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 511 / 481 / 51
other
Total, other adverse events
1 / 513 / 485 / 51
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 510 / 480 / 51

Outcome results

Primary

Electronically Monitored Medication Adherence

Hepatitis C medication adherence will be measured using electronic blister pack monitoring.

Time frame: 1-12 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
Modified Directly Observed Therapy (mDOT)Electronically Monitored Medication Adherence86 Percentage of medication taken
Concurrent Group Treatment (CGT)Electronically Monitored Medication Adherence80 Percentage of medication taken
Treatment as UsualElectronically Monitored Medication Adherence75 Percentage of medication taken
Secondary

HCV Treatment Completion

Completion of ≥80% of the planned treatment course. For example, ≥10 wk of a 12-wk course, or ≥20 wk of a 24-wk course.

Time frame: Up to 48 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Modified Directly Observed Therapy (mDOT)HCV Treatment Completion50 Participants
Concurrent Group Treatment (CGT)HCV Treatment Completion47 Participants
Treatment as UsualHCV Treatment Completion48 Participants
Secondary

Sustained Virologic Response

Undetectable HCV RNA at posttreatment week 12.

Time frame: 12 weeks after treatment completion

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Modified Directly Observed Therapy (mDOT)Sustained Virologic Response50 Participants
Concurrent Group Treatment (CGT)Sustained Virologic Response45 Participants
Treatment as UsualSustained Virologic Response46 Participants

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 7, 2026