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CUTTS HepC: Catalysing uptake of under-utilised tools & treatment simplification for HepC

Open to students

The CUTTS HepC Project will generate critical evidence to improve hepatitis C prevention and care for people who inject drugs in low- and middle-income countries. It will also drive demand for two underused tools—low-dead space syringes (LDSS) and long-acting buprenorphine—helping shape markets and expand access. By simplifying testing and treatment pathways, the project aims to increase uptake of curative hepatitis C treatments.

Objective

Led by the Médecins du Monde Consortium, the project will be implemented in Georgia, Armenia, and Tanzania. Its core goal is to embed hepatitis C testing and treatment within harm reduction programs while piloting two innovative tools to reduce injecting-related risks.

Project components

Hepatitis C model of care

This study will trial a simplified, same-day testing and treatment model using a shortened rapid test read-time and pooled RNA testing to monitor cure and reinfection. The goal: streamline care and reduce diagnostic and treatment delays.

Low dead space syringes (LDSS) study

Led in partnership with INPUD, this study will assess community preferences, uptake, and the impact of low dead space syringes distribution on reducing HIV and hepatitis C transmission.

Long-acting Buprenorphine trial

In Tanzania, the study will evaluate feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of long-acting buprenorphine to support future scale-up and pricing strategies.

Approach

Each component emphasizes real-world, community-led research. Findings will feed into national and global policies and guidelines, while supporting broader harm reduction strategies and market access through demand generation and price negotiation.

Community impact

The CUTTS HepC Project will directly benefit participants—many of whom lack access to these interventions—and create a path for broader availability and impact beyond the study.

Timeline

2023–2027.

Partners

Funding partners

  • Unitaid

Collaborators

  • Médecins du Monde 

  • International Network for People Who Use Drugs (INPUD) 

  • University of Bristol 

Project contacts

Dr Bridget Draper

Dr Bridget Draper

Senior Research Officer
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Professor Margaret Hellard AM

Professor Margaret Hellard AM

Deputy Director, Programs; Adjunct Professor, Monash University, DEPM.
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Student supervisor contacts

Associate Professor Alisa Pedrana

Associate Professor Alisa Pedrana

Senior Research Fellow; Deputy Discipline Head, Public Health; Eliminate Hepatitis C Australia Coordinator
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Dr Bridget Draper

Dr Bridget Draper

Senior Research Officer
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Professor Mark A  Stoové

Professor Mark A Stoové

Head of Public Health
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Dr Sophia Schroeder

Dr Sophia Schroeder

Senior Research Officer
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Project team

Dr Bridget Draper

Dr Bridget Draper

Senior Research Officer
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Mia Flynn

Mia Flynn

Research Assistant
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Professor Margaret Hellard AM

Professor Margaret Hellard AM

Deputy Director, Programs; Adjunct Professor, Monash University, DEPM.
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Dr Sophia Schroeder

Dr Sophia Schroeder

Senior Research Officer
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Naomi Beard

Naomi Beard

PhD student
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Alexandra (Ali) Head

Alexandra (Ali) Head

Research Assistant
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Associate Professor Alisa Pedrana

Associate Professor Alisa Pedrana

Senior Research Fellow; Deputy Discipline Head, Public Health; Eliminate Hepatitis C Australia Coordinator
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Associate Professor Nick Scott

Associate Professor Nick Scott

Head, Modelling and Biostatistics
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Professor Mark A  Stoové

Professor Mark A Stoové

Head of Public Health
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Dr Thi Nguyen

Dr Thi Nguyen

Data Scientist
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Anita Voloshin

Anita Voloshin

Research Assistant
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