Catarina Skoglund: The treatment that revolutionized hepatitis C care and transformed livertransplantation
A hepatitis C infection once posed a serious threat to patients undergoing liver transplantation, often returning even after they had received a new liver. Research presented in Catarina Skoglund's doctoral thesis shows how direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs have transformed this situation. The treatment can cure the infection, protect transplanted livers from reinfection, and expand the pool of donor organs available for transplantation.
CATARINA SKOGLUND
Dissertation defense: 3 December 2026 (click for details)
Doctoral thesis: From Barrier to Benefit: The Transformative Impact of Direct-Acting Antivirals for Hepatitis C on Solid Organ Transplantation
Research area: Surgery
Sahlgrenska Academy, The Institute of Clinical Sciences
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has historically been a common cause of advanced liver disease and the need for liver transplantation. Before the introduction of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs, treatment options were limited, and many patients developed recurrent HCV infection after transplantation.
“My thesis examines the effectiveness of DAA treatment in liver transplant recipients and how the introduction of these drugs has affected the use of organs from donors with previous or ongoing HCV infection,” says Catarina Skoglund, a specialist nurse at the Transplant Center at Sahlgrenska University Hospital and a doctoral student at the Institute of Clinical Sciences.
DAA drugs are taken orally in tablet form, and treatment typically lasts 8–12 weeks.
Manageable side effects and no episodes of rejection
“In the first study, patients who developed recurrent HCV infection after liver transplantation received DAA treatment. Nearly all were cured, regardless of the extent of liver damage or the HCV genotype they had. Many patients also showed improved liver function tests and reduced liver scarring (fibrosis) after treatment.
In the second study, DAA treatment was started before transplantation and continued throughout the peri-transplant period*. Despite the considerable medical challenges during this time, all patients were able to complete treatment, and all were cured. None of the newly transplanted livers became infected with HCV. Side effects were manageable, and no episodes of organ rejection occurred.
The third study examined the broader impact of DAA treatment on liver transplantation. The findings show that DAA therapy has revolutionized the care of patients with HCV infection.
“These drugs effectively cure HCV infection both before and after liver transplantation, prevent infection of newly transplanted organs, and allow more donor organs to be used safely. This has not only improved outcomes for individual patients but has also transformed the field of liver transplantation by increasing organ availability and reducing the need for transplantation due to HCV.”
"With knowledgeable and supportive supervisors, anything is possible"
What has been the most rewarding and challenging part of your doctoral research?
“Being a doctoral student is rewarding in so many ways. It brings new knowledge, broadens your horizons, and gives you the opportunity to meet many wonderful people. For me, one of the most meaningful aspects has been knowing that our research can make a real difference for patients by curing HCV infection through DAA treatment", says Catarina Skoglundand continues:
"I have also been fortunate to have highly knowledgeable supervisors who have supported and encouraged me throughout the journey, always generous with their time, expertise, and experience. Their guidance has meant a great deal to me, and it has shown me that with the right support, anything is possible."
Text: Susanne Lj Westergren
*The peri-transplant period refers to the time immediately before, during, and shortly after transplantation. During this period, patients are particularly fragile and vulnerable.
WHO-Fact sheet 2026 - Hepatit C
- Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus.
- The virus can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis, ranging in severity from a mild illness to a serious, lifelong illness including liver cirrhosis and cancer.
- The hepatitis C virus is a bloodborne virus and most infection occurs through exposure to blood.
- Globally, an estimated 47 million people have chronic hepatitis C virus infection, with about 0.9 million new infections occurring per year.
- WHO estimated that in 2024, approximately 239 000 people died from hepatitis C, mostly from cirrhosis and primary liver cancer.
- Direct-acting antiviral medicines (DAAs) can cure more than 95% of persons with hepatitis C infection, but access to diagnosis and treatment is low.
- There is currently no effective vaccine against hepatitis C.