VBMI to Increase Treatment Completion With MK-MK-5172/MK-8742 Among Veterans With Active Substance Use Disorders Genotype 1 Chronic Hepatitis C

The investigators will conduct a prospective study of 30 Veterans with treatment-naive genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C infection admitted to the Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (SARRTP) at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center. Enrolled veterans will be treated MK-5172/MI-8742 while receiving a 12 week values based motivational intervention to promote completion of HCV treatment. MK-5172/MK-8742 will be prescribed in accordance with the package insert.

Inclusion criteria

• Identified as having treatment-naïve genotype 1 chronic HCV infection; Veterans who are genotype 1a must have baseline NS5a resistance testing
• Current resident of the SARRTP program
• Willing to initiate treatment with FDC MK-5172/MK-8742 during SARRTP and up to 30 days post-discharge.
• Willing to attend coordinated HCV treatment clinic visits and substance abuse aftercare visits every 2 weeks upon SARRTP discharge

Exclusion criteria

• Contraindications for therapy with FDC MK-5172/MK-8742
• Unable to provide written informed consent
• Hepatocellular carcinoma or other medical condition precluding HCV treatment
• Acute HCV infection
• Prior treatment for chronic HCV
• History of decompensated cirrhosis
• Platelet count < 75 K/cmm and/or albumin < 3 grams/dL
• Females and male sex partners of females who are pregnant, nursing and/or unwilling to use contraception
• Patients infected with genotype 1a who have not undergone baseline NS5a resistance testing