About AlcHepNet

AlcHepNet: The Alcohol-associated Hepatitis Network

AlcHepNet is a collaborative research consortium supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Six leading academic medical centers collaborate to enhance our understanding and treatment of alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) - a severe inflammatory liver condition linked to heavy alcohol use.

AH is one of the most serious causes of liver-related illness and death worldwide. The causes and mechanisms behind the disease are not fully understood, and current treatment options are limited. AlcHepNet brings together experts in hepatology, addiction medicine, clinical trials, and basic science to:

• study how AH develops and progresses
• identify biological pathways that may be targeted for therapy
• conduct clinical trials to test promising new treatments
• improve outcomes and quality of life for patients and families affected by AH

By combining resources and expertise, our network aims to accelerate discovery and translate scientific advances into better care.

A Clinical Trial of Integrated Therapies for AH and AUD

Advancing Treatment Through Research

In the current funding cycle, AlcHepNet is conducting a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate new integrated therapies for patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (sAH) and alcohol use disorder (AUD).

The study’s primary goal is to determine whether combining novel therapy for sAH with treatment of the underlying alcohol use disorder (AUD) leads to better outcomes, including improved composite endpoints of liver and alcohol use events, in comparison with usual care.

Participants in the integrated treatment arm receive:

• F-652, a human recombinant IL-22 protein being studied for its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties or Prednisone, corticosteroid that is used as the current standard therapy for sAH
• Acamprosate, an FDA-approved medication for AUD
• Structured counseling focused on alcohol cessation

The usual AUD care arm receives brief counseling and referral to community-based support, such as 12-step programs.

This trial represents a major step toward evidence-based therapy that treats both the liver disease and the underlying alcohol use disorder.

For more detailed information about the trial, see ClinicalTrials.gov.

AlcHepNet Organizations