HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Researchers from the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine have joined a team of scientists across the U.S. to study the safety, tolerability and outcomes of Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) during pregnancy (STORC). The study aligns with the World Health Organization's (WHO) goal to eliminate hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030. 

Led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, the open-label study evaluates the safety and efficacy of Epclusa (SOF/VEL), taken once daily for 12 weeks, as an effective form of treatment for HCV in pregnant women. This treatment is especially important in regions like West Virginia, where certain types of hepatitis C (genotypes 2 and 3) make up about 30% of cases. Now, the expanded phase 4 study aims to address gaps in treatment by providing a comprehensive treatment option for all HCV genotypes. 

Treatment begins in the second trimester, reducing the risk of exposure during organogenesis and ensuring viral suppression by delivery, thereby minimizing the risk of perinatal transmission. The interim data is promising, with 100% of participating mothers showing no signs of the virus after treatment and no cases of the virus being passed to their babies. 

Todd Davies, Ph.D., associate professor at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, leads a collaborative effort that includes Marshall’s departments of Family and Community Health and Internal Medicine.  

“As a community with a significant hepatitis C burden, we aim to provide effective treatment for mothers and prevent transmission to their newborns,” Davies said. “One patient at a time, we hope to gradually reduce the spread of this disease and work toward its eradication over time.” 

“We are excited to offer a possible cure to our pregnant patients and allow them the chance to to start a new chapter of their lives with a new baby free of HepC,” said Zachary Hansen, M.D., assistant professor and lead medical clinician of the STORC study at Marshall. 

This study is approved under Marshall IRB #2199088. For more information, contact the research team at 304.691.6404. 

Date Posted: Wednesday, May 21, 2025