Open-Labeled Trial Of Zepatier For Treatment Of Hepatitis C-Negative Patients Who Receive Heart Transplants From Hepatitis C-Positive Donors
Phase: PHASE1
Conditions: Heart Failure
Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania

Transplanting HCV Hearts into HCV Negative Heart Recipients            Protocol V.2.5 02/06/2018 
1 
OPEN-LABELED TRIAL OF ZEPATIER FOR TREATMENT OF HEPATITIS C NEGATIVE PATIENTS WHO RECEIVE 
HEART TRANSPLANTS FROM HEPATITIS C POSITIVE DONORS (USHER) 
  
Test drug: 
Zepatier 
Clinical study phase: II 
Sponsor: 
University of Pennsylvania 
Funder: 
Merck 
IND# 
Exempt 
IRB# 
826708 
NCT# 
 
Co-principal 
Investigators: 
David Goldberg, MD, MSCE 
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania 
215-746-8598 
Peter Reese, MD, MSCE 
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania 
215-900-3782 
Rhondalyn Forde-McLean, MD, MHS 
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania 
215-662-2727 
The study will be conducted in adherence with the protocol, ICH-GCP and any applicable regulatory requirements. 
Confidential 
The information provided in this document is strictly confidential and is intended solely for the guidance of the 
clinical investigation.  Reproduction or disclosure of this document - whether in part or in full - to parties not 
associated with the clinical investigation, or its use for any other purpose, without the prior written consent of the 
principal investigator is not permitted. 
 
Throughout this document, symbols indicating proprietary names (, tm) are not displayed.  Hence, the appearance of product 
names without these symbols does not imply that these names are not protected. 
 
 
 

Transplanting HCV Hearts into HCV Negative Heart Recipients            Protocol V.2.5 02/06/2018 
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1 SYNOPSIS 
Title  
Open-Labeled Trial Of Zepatier For Treatment Of Hepatitis C-Negative Patients Who 
Receive Heart Transplants From Hepatitis C-Positive Donors 
Clinical study phase 
II 
Study objectives 
This study is being conducted to determine safety and efficacy of transplanting 
hearts from HCV virus (HCV)-positive donors into HCV-negative patients on the heart 
transplant waitlist, who will then be treated with Zepatier status post-single heart 
transplantation. 
Primary aim:  
1. Primary efficacy objective:  to determine sustained virologic response (SVR) 
rates of open-label Zepatier in HCV-negative patients who receive a heart 
transplant from a genotype 1 or 4 HCV-positive donor, leading to post-
transplantation de-novo HCV infection. 
 
2. Primary safety objective:  to determine the safety of administration of open-
label Zepatier among HCV-negative patients who receive a heart transplant 
from a genotype 1 or 4 HCV-positive donor and develop post-transplant HCV 
infection. 
Secondary aims: 
 
3. To determine 1-year graft survival rates of HCV-negative heart transplant 
patients who receive a heart transplant from a genotype 1 or 4 HCV-positive 
donor, including those who spontaneously clear HCV (and those who receive 
open-label Zepatier upon development of de-novo HCV. 
 
4. To evaluate rates of spontaneous clearance of HCV among HCV-negative 
patients who receive a single heart transplant from a genotype 1 HCV-
positive donor. 
 
Indication 
Chronic HCV post-heart transplantation 
Diagnosis and main 
criteria for inclusion 
Inclusion criteria 
• 
 New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV CHF refractory to maximal 
medical therapy (ACE inhibitor, B-blocker, digoxin and diuretics, 
resynchronization therapy or ICD when applicable) and/or conventional 
surgery  AND/OR  Inoperable coronary artery disease with intractable anginal 
symptoms  AND/OR  Malignant ventricular arrhythmias unresponsive to 
medical or surgical therapy 
• 
40-65 years of age 
• 
Obtained agreement for participation from the transplant cardiology team 
• 
No evident contraindication to liver transplantation other than the underlying 
cardiac disorder 
• 
Able to travel to the University of Pennsylvania for routine post-transplant 
visits and study visits for a minimum of 6 months after transplantation 

Transplanting HCV Hearts into HCV Negative Heart Recipients            Protocol V.2.5 02/06/2018 
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• 
No active illicit substance abuse 
• 
Women must agree to use birth control in accordance with Mycophenolate 
Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) following transplant due to the 
increased risk of birth defects and/or miscarriage 
• 
Both men and women must agree to use at least one barrier method of birth 
control or remain abstinent following transplant due to risk of HCV 
transmission 
• 
Inclusion criteria for treatment (not for entry as study patient) will include any 
detectable HCV RNA by week 4 post-heart transplantation 
• 
Able to provide informed consent 
Exclusion criteria 
• 
Hepatocellular carcinoma 
• 
HIV positive 
• 
HCV antibody positive and/or RNA positive 
• 
Hepatitis B surface antigen, core antibody, and/or DNA positive 
• 
Any other chronic liver disease (excluding non-alcoholic fatty liver disease 
(NAFLD) with abnormal liver enzymes 
• 
Persistently elevated liver transaminases 
• 
Congenital heart disease  
• 
Fibrosis by liver biopsy or total bilirubin > 2.5 with associated evidence of 
synthetic dysfunction.  
• 
Pregnant or nursing (lactating) women 
• 
Known allergy or intolerance to tacrolimus that would require post-transplant 
administration of cyclosporine, rather than tacrolimus given the drug-drug 
interaction between cyclosporine and ZEPATIER 
• 
Waitlisted for a multi-organ transplant  
• 
Evidence of end organ damage due to diabetes (e.g. retinopathy, 
nephropathy, ulcerations) and /or brittle diabetes mellitus (e.g. history of 
diabetic ketoacidosis) and/or uncontrolled diabetes as evidence by a HgbA1C 
of 7.5-8.5.  
• 
Chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inability to stop 
smoking. 
• 
Hematologic: Significant coagulation abnormalities, bleeding diatheses. 
• 
Psychosocial: Profound neurocognitive impairment with absence of social 
support. 
• 
Active mental illness or psychosocial instability  
• 
Inadequate insurance or financial support for post-transplant care.  
• 
Evidence of drug, tobacco or alcohol abuse within the past six months and 
completion of recommended therapy/services or meets satisfied parameters 
as indicated by social work staff and/or consult team.  
• 
History of chronic non-compliance.  
• 
Amyloidosis (restricted to cardiac only, without evidence of extra cardiac 
involvement) 
• 
BMI ≥38  
• 
Active peptic ulcer disease.  
• 
Severe malnutrition.  

Transplanting HCV Hearts into HCV Negative Heart Recipients            Protocol V.2.5 02/06/2018 
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• 
Major chronic disabling illness (e.g. lupus, severe arthritis, neurologic 
diseases, previous stroke with profound residual). 
• 
Pulmonary infarction within the past 6 weeks  
• 
Severe pulmonary hypertension as evidenced by a fixed pulmonary vascular 
resistance of greater than 4 Wood units on appropriate medical therapy.  
• 
Patient refusal to receive blood products or transfusions during heart 
transplant surgery.  
• 
Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 
• 
Current clinical sepsis.  
• 
Symptomatic or severe vascular disease.  
• 
Chronic Kidney Disease Stage IV, GFR <30  
• 
History of Mantle radiation.  
• 
Asymptomatic renal cell carcinoma <1 year from curative treatment.  
• 
Symptomatic renal cell carcinoma <5 years from curative treatment.  
• 
Prostate cancer <2 years from curative treatment.  
• 
Uterine or cervical cancer <2 years from curative treatment.  
• 
Any other cancer other than the above including malignant melanoma, <5 
years from treatment apart from other skin malignancies. 
• 
On mechanical circulatory support maintained on suppressive antibiotics for 
chronic infection. 
Study design 
Open-labelled pilot clinical trial of Zepatier (MK-5172 and MK-8742/Grazoprevir + 
Elbasvir) in at least 20 HCV-negative subjects with heart failure receiving a heart 
transplant from a HCV-positive donor. Eligible subjects will receive a heart transplant 
from a deceased-donor with genotype 1 or 4  HCV, and then will receive 12 weeks of 
Zepatier after heart transplantation when infection with HCV is confirmed in these 
heart transplant recipients. Treatment will be complete after 12 weeks.* 
 
* Patients with Genotype 1a and Genotype 1 with an unknown subtype will have 
baseline NS5A drug resistance assay testing checked at the start of treatment, and if 
patients have polymorphisms at positions M28, Q30, L31, and/or Y93, treatment with 
Zepatier will be extended to 16 weeks, rather than 12 weeks, and renally-adjusted 
Ribavirin at the clinician’s discretion will be initiated, and continued for the remainder 
of therapy (until the 16 week mark).  Such a strategy will provide optimal treatment, 
without delaying therapy prior to receipt of results of NS5A drug resistant testing. 
 
Study observations 
• 
Laboratory tests including hepatic function panel at screening and at 
multiple time points during follow-up.  
• 
HCV RNA prior to treatment, on treatment, and 4 and 12 weeks after 
completing Zepatier. 
Type of control 
None 
Number of subjects 
Estimated 20 HCV-negative subjects transplanted with a heart from an HCV-positive 
donor 
Plan for statistical analysis Primary endpoint: 

Transplanting HCV Hearts into HCV Negative Heart Recipients            Protocol V.2.5 02/06/2018 
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• 
Post-treatment sustained virologic response (SVR)  
Secondary endpoints: 
• 
Determine if there are major adverse events attributable to HCV therapy in 
post-heart transplant patients. 
• 
Evaluate 1-year heart graft survival in HCV-negative patients who receive a 
heart transplant from an HCV-positive donor 
• 
Determine the rates of spontaneous HCV clearance among HCV-negative 
patients with heart failure receiving a heart from an HCV-positive donor 
 
Data analysis: 
The primary analysis will be based on a calculation of SVR rates (number of 
subjects with SVR-12; negative HCV RNA 12 weeks after completing Zepatier 
therapy) / (number of subjects treated with Zepatier post-heart transplantation) 
 
 
 
 
 

Transplanting HCV Hearts into HCV Negative Heart Recipients            Protocol V.2.5 02/06/2018 
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2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
1 
Synopsis ................................................................................................................................................2 
2 
Table of contents ...................................................................................................................................7 
3 
Abstract .................................................................................................................................................9 
4 
Chapter 1: Background And Significance ............................................................................................... 10 
4.1. 
Background ........................................................................................................................................ 10 
Rationale of the study ......................................................................................................................................... 10 
4.2. 
Zepatier .............................................................................................................................................. 11 
5 
Chapter 2: Objectives And Specific Aims ............................................................................................... 12 
5.1. 
Objectives .......................................................................................................................................... 12 
5.2. 
Specific aims ...................................................................................................................................... 12 
6 
Chapter 3: Screening And Subject Selection .......................................................................................... 13 
6.1. 
Recruitment: identification and screening process ........................................................................... 13 
6.2. 
Subject selection criteria ................................................................................................................... 13 
6.3. 
Donor Organ Selection Criteria .......................................................................................................... 15 
7 
Chapter 4: Treatments ......................................................................................................................... 18 
7.1. 
Zepatier (grazoprevir and elbasvir) .................................................................................................... 18 
8 
Chapter 5: Data Collection .................................................................................................................... 21 
8.1. 
Study visits ......................................................................................................................................... 21 
8.2. 
Study schedule of procedures ........................................................................................................... 26 
8.3. 
Subject retention and drug adherence .............................................................................................. 29 
9 
Chapter 6: Assessment Of Efficacy And Outcome Measures .................................................................. 31 
9.1. 
Assessments of Efficacy ..................................................................................................................... 31 
9.2. 
Secondary Outcome Measures .......................................................................................................... 31 
10 
Chapter 7: Statistical Considerations .................................................................................................... 32 
10.1. 
Study Design ...................................................................................................................................... 32 
10.2. 
Disposition of Subjects and Baseline Comparisons ........................................................................... 32 
10.3. 
Analyses of Outcome Measures ........................................................................................................ 32 
10.4. 
Missing Data and Dropouts ............................................................................................................... 32 
10.5. 
Protocol Violations............................................................................................................................. 32 
10.6. 
Safety Analysis ................................................................................................................................... 32 
11 
Chapter 8: Quality Control and Data Handling ....................................................................................... 33 
11.1. 
Personnel Training ............................................................................................................................. 33 
11.2. 
Data Quality ....................................................................................................................................... 33 
11.3. 
Audit and Inspection .......................................................................................................................... 33 
11.4. 
Archiving ............................................................................................................................................ 33 
12 
Chapter 9: Participant Safety and Confidentiality .................................................................................. 34 
12.1. 
Informed Consent .............................................................................................................................. 34 
12.2. 
Institutional Review Board Process ................................................................................................... 34 
12.3. 
Insurance ........................................................................................................................................... 34 
12.4. 
Laboratory Values .............................................................................................................................. 35 
12.5. 
Zepatier Related Laboratory Abnormalities and Drug Interactions .................................................. 35 
12.6. 
Other Events ...................................................................................................................................... 37 
12.7. 
Safety and Adverse Events................................................................................................................. 37 
12.8. 
Subject Withdrawal ........................................................................................................................... 43 
12.9. 
Confidentiality of Study Data ............................................................................................................. 44 

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12.10. 
Potential Risks .................................................................................................................................... 45 
12.11. 
Potential Benefits .............................................................................................................................. 47 
12.12. 
Alternatives ........................................................................................................................................ 47 
12.13. 
Ethical Considerations ....................................................................................................................... 47 
13 
Chapter 11: Good Clinical Practice ........................................................................................................ 48 
14 
Chapter 12: References ........................................................................................................................ 49 
 
 

Transplanting HCV Hearts into HCV Negative Heart Recipients            Protocol V.2.5 02/06/2018 
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3 ABSTRACT 
Since 2006, there has been a 50% increase in the number of adults added to the heart transplant waitlist in the 
US. Yet the persistent organ donor shortage has led to only a 25% increase in the number of transplants, and a 
25% increase in the number of patients removed from the heart transplant waitlist because of death or 
becoming too sick to transplant, reaching nearly 700 patients in 2015. It has been suggested that the donor 
supply could be increased by utilizing hearts from older donors or those with more medical co-morbidities, but 
the increased risk of graft failure prevents their broader use. Despite advances in ventricular assist devices 
(VADs), which can prolong patient survival and improve quality-of-life, they are not a panacea. Long-term 
survival is superior for patients receiving a heart transplant, and VADs are not an option for patients with several 
forms of end-stage heart disease (i.e., arrhythmia disorders). Thus there is a critical need to expand the pool of 
heart donors in order to save more lives from end-stage heart disease.  
 
We will perform a pilot trial to prove feasibility of knowingly using HCV-positive organs for HCV-negative 
recipients, by transplanting 20 HCV-negative subjects with hearts from HCV-positive donors, and then treating 
these subjects’ with Zepatier in the early post-transplant phase in order to cure their HCV. If any subjects clear 
HCV spontaneously within the first four weeks post-transplantation, and do not require treatment, subjects will 
be added until there have been at least 20 HCV-negative subjects who receive a heart transplant from an HCV-
positive donor, develop HCV, and are then treated for their HCV with Zepatier. 
 
 
 

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4 CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE 
4.1. Background 
Since 2006, there has been a 50% increase in the number of adults added to the heart transplant waitlist in the 
US. Yet the persistent organ donor shortage has led to only a 25% increase in the number of transplants, and a 
25% increase in the number of patients removed from the heart transplant waitlist because of death or 
becoming too sick to transplant, reaching nearly 700 patients in 2015. It has been suggested that the donor 
supply could be increased by utilizing hearts from older donors or those with more medical co-morbidities, but 
the increased risk of graft failure prevents their broader use. Despite advances in ventricular assist devices 
(VADs), which can prolong patient survival and improve quality-of-life, they are not a panacea. Long-term 
survival is superior for patients receiving a heart transplant, and VADs are not an option for patients with several 
forms of end-stage heart disease (i.e., right ventricular dysfunction, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). Thus there is 
a critical need to expand the pool of heart donors in order to save more lives from end-stage heart disease.  
The current treatment paradigm of HCV has evolved to the point that we should reconsider transplanting hearts 
from HCV-positive donors into HCV-negative patients in order to greatly increase the number of lifesaving heart 
transplants. The potential for liver disease and coronary vasculopathy, coupled with logistical and ethical 
intricacies of transplanting hearts from HCV-positive donors into HCV-negative recipients, highlight the need to 
conduct a controlled study to establish safety and efficacy, while investigating mechanisms of HCV transmission 
and de-novo coronary vasculopathy.  
 
We expect that there will be a high degree of willingness of carefully selected, HCV-negative heart transplant 
patients to accept an organ from an HCV-positive donor, especially given the high HCV cure rates with current 
therapies. After completing this pilot study, the goal is to then apply for federal funding to perform a multi-
center randomized controlled trial using HCV-positive hearts for HCV-negative recipients, with the hope to 
increase utilization of organs that are currently discarded more than 97% of the time. 
 
This study will target cardiac transplant candidates that currently face challenges in receiving an HCV-negative 
transplant and have a substantial probability of health decline while on the waiting list. These capture two broad 
groups of patients: 1) patients with end-stage systolic heart failure with lower probabilities of transplant, and 
higher risk of waitlist mortality; and 2) patients with arrhythmia disorders, as these patients don’t receive the 
highest priority (status 1a) because inotropic support may lead to worsened arrhythmias and/or LVAD support 
may not ease the arrhythmic burden.  With respect to group 1, as one example, patients with blood group O 
have known longer waiting times and lower transplant rates—from 2005-2014, there were 29,488 adults added 
to the heart transplant waitlist in the US, with significantly higher risks of waitlist removal for death or clinical 
deterioration and lower transplant rates in patients with blood group O who were “bigger”:  a) Blood group O, 
height ≥6 feet, weight <100kg: 56.8% transplanted, 17.4% died/too sick; b) Blood group O, height <6 feet, weight 
≥100kg: 43.2% transplanted, 22.2% died/too sick; c) Blood group O, height ≥6 feet, weight ≥100kg: 42.2% 
transplanted, 21.3% died/too sick; d) all other patients on waitlist: 65.3% transplanted, 14.4% died/too sick.  
 
These discrepancies are even more pronounced in certain parts of the country; for example, in UNOS region 2 
(PA, MD, WV, DE, and NJ), 41.1%-56.5% of blood group O patients who are ≥6 feet and/or ≥100kg are 
transplanted, as compared to 70.5% of all other patients on the waitlist during this time period. 
4.2. Rationale of the study 
We will perform a pilot trial to prove feasibility of knowingly using HCV-positive organs for HCV-negative 
recipients, by transplanting 20 HCV-negative subjects with hearts from HCV-positive donors, and then treating 
these subjects with Zepatier in the early post-transplant phase in order to cure their HCV.  

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4.3. Zepatier 
Open-label Zepatier (grazoprevir 100 mg and elbasvir 50 mg) will be administered in this study.3,4 Zepatier is a 
fixed-dose combination tablet without ribavirin. GZR is an HCV NS3/4a inhibitor while EBR is an HCV NS5A 
inhibitor. Both grazoprevir and elbasvir are direct-acting antivirals, which together form an effective therapy for 
HCV and reduce the likelihood and effects of long-term liver-related HCV complications. GZR/EBR exhibits broad 
in vitro activity against most HCV genotypes and in vitro activity against many clinically relevant RAVs.3,4  
 
Zepatier has been evaluated globally in multiple phase I, II, and III trials to treat HCV.3,4  Randomized, placebo-
controlled trials have been carried out, which led to FDA approval for Zepatier as a treatment for genotype 1 
and 4 HCV. 
 
As of July 1, 2015, a diverse population of over 1000 HCV patients has been exposed to Zepatier either as a 
single agent or in combination with ribavirin or sofosbuvir in phase I/II/III studies.  Zepatier has been generally 
well tolerated at doses of 50-100 mg GZR and 50 mg EBR orally once daily.  It has been comparably effective 
across all subgroups it has been tested in, including non-cirrhotic and/or treatment-naïve subjects.3,4 
 
Headaches, fatigue, and nausea represent the most common adverse drug reactions with Zepatier.3,4 Other 
drug-related adverse events have included arthralgia, insomnia, diarrhea, dizziness, pyrexia, and asthenia.3,4 
Drug-related serious adverse events are uncommon, but include allergic reactions, possible adverse interactions 
with other medications, or elevated liver enzymes. In past Zepatier trials, the majority of the adverse events 
were reversible. These adverse events are usually grade 1 or 2 mild or moderate events.  
 
The dosage in our study (100/50 mg daily) is a commonly attainable dose in clinical practice. In the event dialysis 
is needed after transplant, Zepatier has shown to be safe for subjects with chronic heart disease or who are on 
hemodialysis. Less than 1% of Zepatier is excreted renally. In Merck C-SURFER, a phase 1 randomized, controlled 
Zepatier trial, subjects with advanced heart disease tolerated the drug well for the required 12 weeks and had 
no need for dose adjustments.8  
 
Zepatier trials have demonstrated a 94-100% success rate achieving HCV RNA levels of <15 IU/ml after 12 weeks 
of treatment (SVR-12) among genotype 1 HCV patients.3,4  
 
All donor hearts in this trial will come from confirmed genotype 1 or 4 HCV-positive donors. Genotype will be 
confirmed by the standard of care diagnostic test at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.  
 
 

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5 CHAPTER 2: OBJECTIVES AND SPECIFIC AIMS 
5.1. Objectives 
This study is being conducted to determine safety and efficacy of transplanting hearts from genotype 1 
or 4 HCV-positive donors into HCV-negative patients on the heart transplant waitlist, who will then be 
treated with Zepatier post-transplantation. 
5.2. Specific aims 
Primary aim:  
1. Primary efficacy objective:  To determine sustained virologic response (SVR) rates of open-label Zepatier 
in hepatitis C virus (HCV) negative patients who receive a heart transplant from a genotype 1 or 4 HCV-
positive donor, leading to post-transplantation de-novo HCV infection. 
 
2. Primary safety objective:  To determine the safety of administration of open-label Zepatier among HCV-
negative patients who receive a heart transplant from a genotype 1 or 4 HCV-positive donor and 
develop post-transplant HCV infection. 
Secondary aim: 
1. To determine 1-year graft survival rates of HCV-negative heart transplant patients who receive a heart 
transplant from a genotype 1 or 4 HCV-positive donor, including those who spontaneously clear HCV 
and those who receive open-label Zepatier upon development of de-novo HCV. 
 
2. To obtain preliminary data on the distribution of changes in circulating biomarkers of endothelial 
damage and coronary vasculopathy in HCV-negative patients transplanted with hearts from HCV-
positive donors prior to HCV treatment, after viral clearance, and after SVR. 
 
3. To evaluate rates of spontaneous clearance of HCV among HCV-negative patients who receive a heart 
transplant from a genotype 1 or 4 HCV-positive donor. 
 
4. 
To identify the viral reservoirs leading to HCV transmission in HCV-negative patients receiving a heart 
transplant from a HCV-positive donor based on endomyocardial biopsies, measures of HCV antigens in 
peripheral mononuclear blood cells, and histological examination of arterial and venous tissue 
surrounding the transplanted heart. 
 
5. 
To compare the quality-of-life of HCV-negative patients receiving a heart transplant from a HCV-
positive donor to those of similar patients remaining on the waitlist for a standard deceased donor 
heart transplant. 
 
 
 
 
 

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6 CHAPTER 3: SCREENING AND SUBJECT SELECTION 
6.1. Recruitment: identification and screening process 
The trial’s phases can be categorized as “screening phase,” (when patients are consented and will undergo 
testing and evaluation for enrollment), “waiting list phase” (when patients are enrolled and are waiting for an 
offer of transplantation) and “transplantation phase” (after a HCV-positive heart has been received and 
transplanted. 
 
We will approach patients meeting the above criteria to receive a heart transplant from an HCV-positive donor.  
We anticipate needing to approach 50 patients in order to enroll the necessary 25-35 patients. We will continue 
to follow these patients for updates on transplant status even after initial review and noted as apart of study 
data.  
 
Prior to consenting to be in the study, patients will be screened for any underlying liver diseases using serologic 
testing, and will be evaluated by a transplant hepatologist and abdominal transplant surgeon, to ensure that 
besides the underlying cardiac disease, the patient would meet criteria for listing for liver transplantation.  Once 
patients are consented and enrolled, the heart transplant team will be made aware of the patient’s enrollment, 
and he/she will then have his/her status on UNET changed to be eligible to receive a heart from an HCV-positive 
donor. 
 
We expect to screen 200 subjects, including patients being newly evaluated for a heart transplant, and those 
that are already on the waitlist.  Of these, we expect 100 to meet inclusion/exclusion criteria, of whom 35 will 
consent to be screened, and 25 will remain eligible following all screening tests. 
 
Patients who are screened will be tracked in a pre-screening log to facilitate the screening process.  The study 
team has worked with their department’s Information Technology Team and their recommendations for 
protecting potential subject health information will be put into place. 
 
Subjects who are temporarily inactive and unable to receive any heart offers until reactivated will continue to be 
followed.  If the subject is reactivated, his/her status based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be 
reviewed by the investigator team to ensure the patient is still eligible for the study.   
 
Only subjects who would be eligible for a liver transplant if HCV caused them to experience liver failure will be 
enrolled in this study. To be deemed eligible for a liver transplant at Penn, all patients (not only study subjects) 
must be examined by both a hepatologist and a liver transplant surgeon.  
6.2. Subject selection criteria 
6.2.1. Inclusion criteria 
• 
New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV CHF refractory to maximal medical therapy (ACE 
inhibitor, B-blocker, digoxin and diuretics, resynchronization therapy or ICD when applicable) 
and/or conventional surgery   AND/OR  Inoperable coronary artery disease with intractable 
anginal symptoms   AND/OR  Malignant ventricular arrhythmias unresponsive to medical or 
surgical therapy   
• 
40-65 years of age 
• 
Obtained agreement for participation from the transplant cardiology team 
• 
No evident contraindication to liver transplantation other than the underlying cardiac disorder 

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• 
Able to travel to the University of Pennsylvania for routine post-transplant visits and study visits 
for a minimum of 6 months after transplantation 
• 
No active illicit substance abuse 
• 
Women must agree to use birth control in accordance with Mycophenolate Risk Evaluation and 
Mitigation Strategy (REMS) following transplant due to the increased risk of birth defects and/or 
miscarriage 
• 
Both men and women must agree to use at least one barrier method of birth control or remain 
abstinent following transplant due to risk of HCV transmission 
• 
Inclusion criteria for treatment (not for entry as study patient) will include any detectable HCV 
RNA by week 4 post-heart transplantation 
• 
Able to provide informed consent 
6.2.2. Exclusion criteria 
• 
Hepatocellular carcinoma 
• 
HIV positive 
• 
HCV antibody positive and/or RNA positive 
• 
Hepatitis B surface antigen, core antibody, and/or DNA positive 
• 
Any other chronic liver disease (excluding non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with abnormal 
liver enzymes 
• 
Persistently elevated liver transaminases 
• 
Congenital heart disease  
• 
Fibrosis by liver biopsy or total bilirubin > 2.5 with associated evidence of synthetic dysfunction.  
• 
Pregnant or nursing (lactating) women 
• 
Known allergy or intolerance to tacrolimus that would require post-transplant administration of 
cyclosporine, rather than tacrolimus given the drug-drug interaction between cyclosporine and 
ZEPATIER 
• 
Waitlisted for a multi-organ transplant  
• 
Evidence of end organ damage due to diabetes (e.g. retinopathy, nephropathy, ulcerations) and 
/or brittle diabetes mellitus (e.g. history of diabetic ketoacidosis) and/or uncontrolled diabetes as 
evidence by a HgbA1C of 7.5-8.5.  
• 
Chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inability to stop smoking. 
• 
Hematologic: Significant coagulation abnormalities, bleeding diatheses. 
• 
Psychosocial: Profound neurocognitive impairment with absence of social support. 
• 
Active mental illness or psychosocial instability  
• 
Inadequate insurance or financial support for post-transplant care.  
• 
Evidence of drug, tobacco or alcohol abuse within the past six months and completion of 
recommended therapy/services or meets satisfied parameters as indicated by social work staff 
and/or consult team.  
• 
History of chronic non-compliance.  
• 
Amyloidosis (restricted to cardiac only, without evidence of extra cardiac involvement) 
• 
BMI ≥38  
• 
Active peptic ulcer disease.  
• 
Severe malnutrition.  
• 
Major chronic disabling illness (e.g. lupus, severe arthritis, neurologic diseases, previous stroke 
with profound residual). 
• 
Pulmonary infarction within the past 6 weeks  

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• 
Severe pulmonary hypertension as evidenced by a fixed pulmonary vascular resistance of greater 
than 4 Wood units on appropriate medical therapy.  
• 
Patient refusal to receive blood products or transfusions during heart transplant surgery.  
• 
Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 
• 
Current clinical sepsis.  
• 
Symptomatic or severe vascular disease.  
• 
Chronic Kidney Disease Stage IV, GFR < 30  
• 
History of Mantle radiation.  
• 
Asymptomatic renal cell carcinoma <1 year from curative treatment.  
• 
Symptomatic renal cell carcinoma <5 years from curative treatment.  
• 
Prostate cancer <2 years from curative treatment.  
• 
Uterine or cervical cancer <2 years from curative treatment.  
• 
Any other cancer other than the above including malignant melanoma, < 5 years from treatment 
apart from other skin malignancies. 
• 
On mechanical circulatory support maintained on suppressive antibiotics for chronic infection. 
6.3. Donor Organ Selection Criteria 
 
General criteria (although there can be exceptions on a case-by-case basis) 
• 
Detectable HCV RNA 
• 
Genotype 1 or 4 HCV 
• 
Age <=55 years  
• 
No history of coronary artery disease 
• 
No congenital heart disease except a repaired atrial septal defect (ASD) provided the patient has 
normal right ventricular function 
• 
No history of arrhythmia (atrial fibrllation, atrial flutter or VT) except during resuscitation from fatal 
event. 
• 
No evidence of cirrhosis 
Echocardiographic criteria 
• 
Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >=50% 
• 
Normal right ventricular function  
• 
No left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) – septal wall thickness  <1 cm 
• 
No left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH)– posterior wall thickness <1 cm 
• 
No significant valvular heart disease – more than mild tricuspid regurgitation, more than mild mitral 
regurgitation, more than trace aortic regurgitation.  No mitral or aortic stenosis.   
• 
No congenital heart disease – transposition of the great vessels, ventricular sepatal defect (VSD), 
ASD, and/or single ventricle (Fontan)  
 Right heart catheterization criteria 
• 
Right atrial pressure <=10mmHg 
• 
Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure <=18mmHg 
• 
CI >=2.1 l/min/m2 
• 
Pulmonary hypertension is allowed if the patient has normal right ventricular function and a normal 
tricuspid valve 

Transplanting HCV Hearts into HCV Negative Heart Recipients            Protocol V.2.5 02/06/2018 
16 
6.3.1. Donor Genotyping 
We will ensure that subjects only receive a heart transplant from a confirmed Genotype 1 or 4 HCV-positive 
donor by testing the HCV genotype using the standard of care assay at the Hospital of the University of 
Pennsylvania. 
 
To briefly outline this procedure, donor genotyping will be performed on specimens provided to the Molecular 
Pathology Laboratory by LABS and Gift-of-Life, the local organ procurement organization.  These specimens will 
be taken from potential heart donors once Gift-of-Life has been notified of the potential donor and will be 
qualified for testing by Gift-of-Life. Per standard of care, LABS will analyze specimens for the presence of HCV via 
serological testing and qualitative nucleic acid testing. If a specimen is positive for both HCV tests, it will be 
couriered to the University of Pennsylvania via a Gift-of-Life courier, only if and after the donor’s authorizing 
next-of-kin has given authorization for donation and research.  The Molecular Pathology Laboratory (MPL) at the 
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) will then determine the HCV genotype(s) present in the 
specimen.  Once resulted, a printed copy will be sent to Gift-of-Life and the study investigators, and will be kept 
in the locked research file by the study investigators. 
 
The assay that will be used for HCV genotyping is a laboratory-developed assay that was validated by the HUP 
MPL under the guidance of Vivianna Van Deerlin, MD, PhD. The validation process entailed testing multiple past 
clinical samples with known HCV genotypes, as well as purchased HCV genotype controls, and assessing 
concordance between the results obtained and the expected results.9 This assay (the eSensor® HCVg Direct Test, 
GenMark Diagnostics) has also been validated by multiple external laboratories with the following results: 
Covance Central Laboratory Services (482 samples, 98.6% concordance), University of Minnesota (135 samples, 
96.4% concordance), and the University of Washington (77 samples, 97.4%).10-12 In the HUP MPL, overall, the 
assay was able to genotype all purchased controls correctly (n=15, HCV genotypes 1 through 6, concordance = 
100%). It was also able to correctly genotype the vast majority of prior clinical samples (n=56 of 61, HCV 
genotypes 1 through 6, concordance = 92%). Resolution of discordant samples showed that the limitations of 
the assay, as determined by the validation, included decreased ability to genotype samples with: low viral loads, 
mixed genotype infections, or HCV genotype 4f infection. These limitations are felt to be minor as low viral load 
specimens are not expected from HCV-untreated organ donors, and mixed genotype / genotype 4f specimens 
are very rarely encountered in the United States. The validation samples were picked to better understand the 
limitations of the assay and so had a higher proportion of mixed infection samples (n=6) and rare genotype 
samples (e.g. Type 4f, n=1) than what is encountered clinically. A retrospective review by the MPL of HCV 
genotypes resulted at HUP over a 14-month period (July 2014 to October 2015) by the previous MPL HCV 
genotyping assay (Siemens VERSANT HCV Genotype 2.0) found a total of 6 mixed infections and one genotype 4f 
infection out of 1,551 samples tested (~0.4% and 0.06%, respectively).  
6.3.2. Drug Resistance Testing 
Participants with Genotype 1a and Genotype 1 with an unknown subtype will have baseline NS5A drug 
resistance assay testing checked at the start of treatment. The Hepatitis C Viral RNA Genotype 1 NS5a Drug 
Resistance test will be used to check for NS5A drug resistance. This test uses reverse transcription polymerase 
chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing to detect mutations [resistance associated variants (RAVs)] in the 
NS5a inhibitors. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA but has been validated pursuant to the CLIA 
regulations. The test will be performed by a lab qualified by the Principal Investigator Team. It has an analytical 
sensitivity of >95% for viral loads ≥1800 IU/mL.13 Reported results include mutations and polymorphisms 
associated with NS5A inhibitor resistance (only if HCV genotype 1a, 1b, or 1 detected) as well as a patient 
specific interpretation:  
• 
Resistance predicted: ≥1 mutation predicting NS5A inhibitor resistance detected 

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• 
Resistance not predicted: no mutations predicting NS5A inhibitor resistance detected 
 
 

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18 
7 CHAPTER 4: TREATMENTS 
7.1. Zepatier (grazoprevir and elbasvir) 
Zepatier tablets will be provided by Merck as part of this investigator-initiated protocol funded by Merck. Open-
label Zepatier (grazoprevir 100 mg and elbasvir 50 mg) will be administered once daily by mouth for 12 weeks. 
An exception to the 12 week course of treatment will be if patients have polymorphisms at positions M28, Q30, 
L31, and/or Y93 as determined by the Hepatitis C Viral RNA Genotype 1 NS5a Drug Resistance test. In this case, 
treatment with Zepatier will be extended to 16 weeks and renally-adjusted Ribavirin will be initiated at the 
clinician’s discretion, and continued for the remainder of therapy (until the 16 week mark).  Such a strategy will 
provide optimal treatment, without delaying therapy prior to receipt of results of NS5A drug resistant testing. 
Grazoprevir (GZR)/ elbasvir (EBR) is a fixed-dose combination tablet without ribavirin.  
 
GZR is an HCV ns3/4a inhibitor while EBR is an HCV NS5A inhibitor. Both are direct-acting antivirals, which 
together form an effective therapy for HCV virus and reduce the likelihood and effects of long-term liver-related 
HCV complications. GZR/EBR exhibits broad in vitro activity against most HCV genotypes and in vitro activity 
against many clinically relevant resistance-associated variants (RAVs).  
 
Zepatier (GZR/EBR) has been evaluated globally in multiple phase I, II, and III trials to treat HCV. Randomized, 
placebo-controlled trials have been completed and led to obtain FDA approval for Zepatier as a treatment for 
genotype 1 and 4 HCV. As of July 1, 2015, a diverse population of over 1000 HCV patients has been exposed to 
Zepatier either as a single agent or in combination with ribavirin or sofosbuvir in phase I/II/III studies.  Zepatier 
has been generally well tolerated at doses of 50-100 mg GZR and 50 mg EBR orally once daily.  It has been 
comparably effective across all subgroups it has been tested in, including non-cirrhotic and/or treatment-naïve 
subjects. 
 
Headaches, fatigue, and nausea represent the most common adverse drug reactions with Zepatier. Other drug-
related adverse events have included arthralgia, insomnia, diarrhea, dizziness, pyrexia, and asthenia. Drug-
related serious adverse events are uncommon, but include allergic reactions, possible adverse interactions with 
other medications, or elevated liver enzymes. In past Zepatier trials, the majority of the adverse events were 
reversible. These adverse events are usually grade 1 or 2 mild or moderate events.  
 
The dosage in our study (100/50 mg qd) is a commonly attainable dose in clinical practice. In the event dialysis is 
needed after transplant, Zepatier has shown to be safe for subjects with chronic kidney disease or who are on 
hemodialysis. Less than 1% of Zepatier is excreted renally. In Merck C-SURFER, a phase 1 randomized, controlled 
Zepatier trial, subjects with advanced heart disease tolerated the drug well for the required 12 weeks and had 
no need for dose adjustments.  
 
Zepatier trials have demonstrated a 94-100% success rate achieving HCV RNA levels of <15 IU/ml after 12 weeks 
of treatment (SVR-12) among genotype 1 and 4 HCV patients.  
 
As of January 2016, Zepatier was approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It has been extensively studies 
in multiple large clinical trials.  This drug regimen was chosen as first-line therapy, rather than other approved 
agents (i.e., Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir, trade name Harvoni), as Zepatier has been shown to be safe and efficacious 
in patient with significant renal dysfunction. As a result, if a subject’s heart function has not fully recovered 
when treatment is initiated, the investigational agents can safely be administered, unlike other approved agents.  

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7.1.1. Administration of study medication 
Merck & Co will manufacture, package, and label Zepatier drug. There will be one bottle per subject containing a 
28-day supply (28 capsules) of 100/50 mg Zepatier tablets.   Daily dose will be one tablet.   
 
The Investigational Drug Services (IDS) pharmacy, directed by Kenneth Rockwell, PharmD, will only be required 
to store and distribute the study drug. Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin will be purchased and sourced locally. Both of 
these medications will be purchased and stored by the IDS pharmacy at Penn. Ribavirin will be generic and the 
manufacturer will vary depending on monthly price fluctuations.  
 
Zepatier will be picked up from the investigational drug services (IDS) pharmacy by the research staff at 28-day 
intervals. The study staff will deliver the medication to the subjects at their study visits (patients expected to be 
at home by the time that HCV therapy is initiated and patients will be given medication at their scheduled post-
transplant/study visit). Treatment with the study drug will begin within 4 weeks post-transplant.  If hepatitis C is 
not cured after a subject has received Zepatier, he or she will be treated with a second regimen that includes 
Zepatier plus Sovaldi (Sofosbuvir) and Ribavirin.  Any patient (male or female) receiving ribavirin as part of the 
first- or second-line regimen will be required to use two methods of birth control while on Ribavirin therapy, 
with continuing two forms of birth control for up to 6 months after the last dose of the study drug. 
 
If patients have baseline NS5A drug resistance assay testing that demonstrates polymorphisms at positions M28, 
Q30, L31, and/or Y93, treatment with Zepatier will be extended to 16 weeks, rather than 12 weeks, and renally-
adjusted Ribavirin at the clinician’s discretion will be initiated, and continued for the remainder of therapy (until 
the 16 week mark).  Such a strategy will provide optimal treatment, without delaying therapy prior to receipt of 
results of NS5A drug resistant testing. 
 
7.1.2. Drug logistics and accountability  
Study medication bottles must be stored at controlled temperature of 20°C  to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions 
permitted between 15°C to 30°C (between 59°F to 86°F) in a locked, secure area.  Study drug must be protected 
from moisture.  The research staff or investigator will instruct the subject on the proper administration of 
Zepatier.  Zepatier tablets should be taken once daily by mouth.  The investigator, or a responsible party 
designated by the investigator, must maintain a careful record of the inventory and disposition of the 
investigational agent using the drug accountability form. If a subject loses the bottle of study medication, the 
research staff should contact Kenneth Rockwell, Pharmacist at the research pharmacy. A replacement bottle 
with the appropriate amount of study medication will be made available at the research pharmacy. 
7.1.3. Destruction and return  
At the conclusion of the study, remaining medication from the study patients (and left-over medication) will be 
destroyed at the clinical site, after approval is granted by the research pharmacy for the drug destruction plan. 
Destruction will be documented in the drug accountability form. 
7.1.4. Zepatier Initial Treatment Failures 
Study subjects with treatment failure, defined as virologic breakthrough (when an undetectable viral load while 
on treatment becomes detectable or a >= one log increase from nadir HCV RNA) or virologic relapse 
(undetectable viral load after completion of treatment that during the 12-week post-treatment follow-up period 
becomes detectable) will be provided open-label Zepatier + Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) 400 mg + Ribavirin (generic), 
renally dosed based on creatinine clearance per the manufacturer guidelines. Any subjects who experience 
treatment failure will repeat the original study lab visit and visit protocol once they begin their secondary 
treatment with Zepatier, sofosbuvir, and ribavirin, similar to subjects initiating HCV treatment following heart 

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20 
transplantation.  Prior to initiating treatment with this regimen, patients will have serum NS5A resistance (RAV) 
testing. 
  
 

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8 CHAPTER 5: DATA COLLECTION 
8.1. Study visits 
Study visits are scheduled to occur following subjects’ standard post-transplant follow-up visits. Since treating 
cardiologists do not always require stable post-transplant patients to attend these visits, subjects may be asked 
to come in solely for study visits. These visits will be encouraged, but not required unless the study drug is being 
dispensed that day. For all other study visits, a missed visit by a stable subject who has had necessary labs drawn 
will not be considered a protocol violation.  
8.1.1. Informed consent 
During the screening phase, potentially eligible, interested subjects will be invited to attend an informational 
session. The following procedures will be performed during the screening process: 
• 
Sign and date the ICF and HIPAA authorization 
• 
Review of inclusion/exclusion criteria 
• 
Schedule for screening visit 
 
After completing the informational session and signing the informed consent, the subject will be scheduled for a 
screening visit within 56 days if the subject meets inclusion/exclusion criteria thus far.  The study staff will call 
the subject 1-2 days prior to the screening visit and send a reminder letter as well if the screening visit is not 
conducted within the 2 weeks following consent.  
8.1.2. Screening 
The following procedures and activities will be performed during the screening process, after the informed 
consent is signed: 
• 
Review medical history 
• 
Vital signs 
• 
Physical exam 
• 
Review current medications 
• 
Labs/phlebotomy: hepatic function panel, HCV RNA, HBV DNA, and HIV antibody 
o HBV Core Antibody will be checked in patients during screening, if not checked previously. 
• 
Serum chg. pregnancy test (for women of childbearing potential) 
• 
Completion of health status questionnaire (RAND-36) 
• 
Provide instructions on recording of new medications and dose changes 
8.1.3. Post-Heart Transplant 
8.1.3.1. Post-Heart Transplant Visits 
Patients, after receiving a heart transplant are followed very closely by both the surgical and nephrology team.  
As apart of standard of care visits, the following procedures activities will be performed: 
• 
Phlebotomy 
• 
Vital signs 
• 
Physical exam 
 
The study staff will follow procedures and activities closely along with transplant team and this information (vital 
signs, physical exam, and phlebotomy results) will be collected as apart of data collection. In addition to these 

Transplanting HCV Hearts into HCV Negative Heart Recipients            Protocol V.2.5 02/06/2018 
22 
standard of care procedures and activities, the study team will also perform specific research related activities at 
specific time points.  
8.1.3.2. Post-Heart Transplant Research Phlebotomy 
Research laboratory blood draws will take place along with standard of care blood draws outlined in Section 
8.2.1. The study staff will call the research subject to coordinate research blood draws appropriately. In addition, 
study staff will assess for adverse events/side effects and obtain current medication data.  
 
As outlined in Section 8.2.1, patients with a positive HBV Core Antibody, HBV-DNA levels will be checked every 6 
weeks while on Zepatier and LFTs will be closely monitored. HBV therapy may be considered the transplant 
team as medically appropriate. 
 
Additional laboratory testing will be done if the PIs feel it is necessary for patient safety. 
8.1.3.3. Visit 1: Post-Heart Transplant (day 3 ± 1) 
The study staff will meet the subject in their HUP hospital room, three days after their heart transplant.  
 
Initiating treatment with Zepatier 
Treatment with the study drug will begin when the patient has a detectable and quantifiable HCV RNA post-
transplantation. All subjects will be provided with a 28-day supply of the study drug and instructed to begin 
treatment once HCV RNA is confirmed, which may occur any time between weeks 1-4. When the subject begins 
treatment for HCV with Zepatier, the staff will notify the subject’s primary cardiologist and primary care 
physician. 
 
As with any scientific protocol, safety will be considered before treating the patients. The treating physician will 
evaluate the patient’s overall condition and make a judgment on whether initiating treatment is safe. 
 
The following research procedures and activities will be performed: 
• 
Assess for Adverse Events 
• 
Obtain medication data 
• 
Research Phlebotomy, including the NS5A drug resistance assay testing (See Section 8.2.1 for complete 
list) 
• 
Dispense study drugs 
 
Blood samples for immunologic t-cell assays will be processed and banked or shipped.  
8.1.3.3.1. Management of patients with NS5A resistance variants 
Once HCV infection is confirmed, patients will have their HCV genotype reconfirmed. Patients with Genotype 1a 
and Genotype 1 with an unknown subtype will have baseline NS5A drug resistance assay testing. This will be 
checked at start of treatment. If patients have polymorphisms at positions M28, Q30, L31, and/or Y93, 
treatment with Zepatier will be extended to 16 weeks, rather than 12 weeks, and renally-adjusted Ribavirin at 
the clinician’s discretion will be initiated, and continued for the remainder of therapy (until the 16 week mark).  
Such a strategy will provide optimal treatment, without delaying therapy prior to receipt of results of NS5A drug 
resistant testing.  Under such a scenario, all of the study procedures referenced above and below will be 
extended by 4 weeks. Any patient (male or female) receiving ribavirin as part of the first- or second-line regimen 
will be required to use two methods of birth control while on Ribavirin therapy, with continuing two forms of 
birth control for up to 6 months after the last dose of the study drug. 

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23 
8.1.3.3.2. Management of patients with positive HBV Core Antibody 
For patients with a positive HBV Core Antibody, HBV-DNA levels will be checked every 6 weeks while on Zepatier 
and LFTs will be closely monitored. HBV therapy may be considered the transplant team as medically 
appropriate. 
8.1.3.4. Visit 2: Post-Heart Transplant (day 10 ± 2 day) 
Visit #2 should occur two weeks (10 ± 2 days) after the subject’s heart transplant and coincide with the subject’s 
regularly scheduled post-transplant follow-up visit. The staff will call the subject 1-2 days before the visit.  
During this phone call, the research staff will remind the subject where to go for the study visit,  to take their 
routine and study medications as they usually would prior to the visits.  
 
The subject will arrive at the study site outpatient clinic. The following procedures and activities will be 
performed: 
• 
Assess for Adverse Events 
• 
Obtain medication data 
• 
Research Phlebotomy (See Section 8.2.1 for complete list) 
• 
Pill count and drug diary assessed for adherence 
• 
Schedule appointments for follow-up visits 
8.1.3.5. Visit 3: Post-Heart Transplant (day 21 ± 3 days) 
Visit #3 should occur three weeks (21 ± 3  days) after the patient’s heart transplant and coincide with the 
subject’s regularly scheduled post-transplant follow-up visit. The staff will call the subject 1-2 days before the 
visit.  During this phone call, the research staff will remind the subject where to go for the study visit,  to take 
their routine and study medications as they usually would prior to the visits. 
 
The subject will arrive at the study site outpatient clinic. The following procedures and activities will be 
performed: 
• 
Assess for Adverse Events 
• 
Obtain medication data 
• 
Research Phlebotomy (See Section 8.2.1 for complete list) 
• 
Pill count and drug diary assessed for adherence 
• 
Schedule appointments for follow-up visits 
8.1.3.6. Visit 4 Post-Heart Transplant (day 28 ± 3 days) 
Visit #4 should occur 4 weeks (28 ± 2 days) after the subject’s heart transplant and coincide with the subject’s 
regularly scheduled post-transplant follow-up visit. The staff will call the subject 1-2 days before the visit.  
During this phone call, the research staff will remind the subject where to go for the study visit,  to take their 
routine and study medications as they usually would prior to the visits. 
 
The subject will arrive at the study site outpatient clinic. The following procedures and activities will be 
performed: 
• 
Assess for Adverse Events 
• 
Obtain medication data 
• 
Research Phlebotomy (See Section 8.2.1 for complete list) 
• 
Health Status Questionnaire (RAND-36) (to assess changes in health status from pre- to post-transplant) 
• 
Pill count and drug diary assessed for adherence 

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24 
• 
Replenish study drug 
• 
Schedule appointments for the follow-up visits 
 
HCV Non-Transmission 
It is possible that a subject may not develop chronic HCV infection, either due to non-transmission or 
spontaneous clearance of HCV by week 4 (defined as an initial positive HCV RNA and subsequent undetectable 
HCV RNA without treatment).  If a subject has an undetectable HCV RNA based on the week 4 HCV RNA, a repeat 
HCV RNA will be checked at week 8 to ensure non-infection with HCV, rather than a false-negative HCV RNA.  If 
the week 8 HCV RNA confirms lack of infection (undetectable week 8 HCV RNA), then no further treatment will 
be needed. Subjects will be assessed at a study visit and HCV RNA levels re-checked at week 16 and 28 post-
heart transplantation. Should any subject spontaneously clear HCV without treatment, another subject will 
replace them in order to meet our planned treatment sample size. 
8.1.3.7. Visits 5-7: Post-Heart Transplant (day 42±7, day 56±7, day 70±7) 
Visit #5 should occur 6 weeks (42±7 days) after the subject’s heart transplant and will coincide with the subject’s 
regularly scheduled post-transplant follow-up visit.  Visit #6 should occur 8 weeks (56±7 days) after the subject’s 
heart transplant and will immediately follow the subject’s regularly scheduled post-transplant follow-up visit. 
Visit #7 should occur 10 weeks (70±7 days) after the subject’s heart transplant and will immediately follow the 
subject’s regularly scheduled post-transplant follow-up visit. 
 
For both visits, the staff will call the subject 1-2 days before the visit to remind subject of visit. During this phone 
call, the research staff will remind the subject where to go for the study visit,  to take their routine and study 
medications as they usually would prior to the visits. 
 
The following procedures and activities will be performed: 
• 
Assess for Adverse Events 
• 
Obtain medication data 
• 
Research Phlebotomy (See Section 8.2.1 for complete list) 
• 
Replenish study drug 
• 
Pill count and drug diary assessed for adherence 
• 
Schedule appointments for follow-up visits 
 
The staff will replenish the subject’s 28-day supply of the Zepatier study drug sometime during visits #5 & 6, 
depending on when the subject began treatment.  
8.1.3.8. Visits 8 & 9: Post-Heart Transplant (day 87 + 7, day 115 + 14) 
Visit #8 should occur 12 weeks (87 + 7 days) after the subject’s heart transplant and will coincide with the 
subject’s regularly scheduled post-transplant follow-up visit.  Visit #9 should occur 16 weeks (115 + 14 days) 
after the subject’s heart transplant and will immediately follow the subject’s regularly scheduled post-transplant 
follow-up visit.  
 
Midway between these study visits, subjects will be phoned in order to ensure drug adherence, if necessary 
 
For both visits, the staff will call the subject 1-2 days before the visit to remind subject of visit. During this phone 
call, the research staff will remind the subject where to go for the study visit,  to take their routine and study 
medications as they usually would prior to the visits. 
 

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25 
The following procedures and activities will be performed: 
• 
Assess for Adverse Events 
• 
Obtain medication data 
• 
Research Phlebotomy (See Section 8.2.1 for complete list) 
o Note: Timing for HCV RNA viral load, post treatment, should, as best possible, follow the 
important data collection points post treatment. These are as follows: 
 
Post-treatment: This should occur after the subject has completed treatment of the 
study drug. 
 
SVR 4: This should occur ~4 weeks after the subject has completed treatment. 
 
SVR 8: This should occur ~ 8 weeks after the subject has completed treatment. 
 
SVR 12: This should occur ~12 weeks after the subject has completed treatment. 
 
SVR 24: This should occur ~24 weeks after the subject has completed treatment. 
• 
Health Status Questionnaire (RAND-36) (to assess changes in health status from pre- to post-transplant) 
• 
Pill count and drug diary assessed for adherence 
• 
Replenish study drug 
o Note: The staff will replenish the subject’s supply of the Zepatier study drug between visits 7 & 
8, if necessary.  This is based on management of patients NS5A resistance variants, in any were 
are present .  The staff will also remind the subject how to take the medication, for those 
subjects still on study medication. 
8.1.3.9. Visit 10 Post-Heart Transplant (day 171 ±7 days) 
Visit #10 should occur 24 weeks (171 ±7 days) after the subject’s heart transplant and will coincide with the 
subject’s regularly scheduled post-transplant follow-up visit.   
 
For this visit, the staff will call the subject 1-2 days before the visit.  During this phone call, the research staff will 
remind the subject where to go for the study visit,  to take their routine and study medications as they usually 
would prior to the visits. 
 
The following procedures and activities must be performed: 
• 
Assess for Adverse Events 
• 
Research Phlebotomy (See Section 8.2.1 for complete list) 
o Note: Timing for HCV RNA viral load, post treatment, should, as best possible, follow the 
important data collection points post treatment. These are as follows: 
 
Post-treatment: This should occur after the subject has completed treatment of the 
study drug. 
 
SVR 4: This should occur ~4 weeks after the subject has completed treatment. 
 
SVR 8: This should occur ~ 8 weeks after the subject has completed treatment. 
 
SVR 12: This should occur ~12 weeks after the subject has completed treatment. 
 
SVR 24: This should occur ~24 weeks after the subject has completed treatment. 
• 
Health Status Questionnaire (RAND-36) (to assess changes in health status from pre- to post-transplant) 
8.1.3.10. Visit 11 Post-Heart Transplant (day 365 ±14) 
Visit #10 should occur 52 weeks (365 ±14 days) after the subject’s heart transplant and will coincide with the 
subject’s regularly scheduled post-transplant follow-up visit.   
 

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For this visit, the staff will call the subject 1-2 days before the visit.  During this phone call, the research staff will 
remind the subject where to go for the study visit,  to take their routine and study medications as they usually 
would prior to the visits. 
 
The following procedures and activities must be performed: 
• 
Assess for Adverse Events 
• 
Research Phlebotomy (See Section 8.2.1 for complete list) 
• 
Health Status Questionnaire (RAND-36) (to assess changes in health status from pre- to post-transplant) 
 
The Research Staff should fill out the Study Closeout Form. This form must be signed by the principal 
investigator. 
8.1.3.11. Additional Visits  
Additional visits will only be necessary in the case of treatment failures. If treatment failure occurs, subjects will 
be treated with Zepatier and two other hepatitis C medications, Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi), and Ribavirin for an 
additional 12 weeks. All study and lab visits will be repeated during this secondary treatment period.  NS5A 
resistance (RAV) testing will be checked again (a second time) prior to initiating second-line therapy. 
8.1.4. Future research 
Subjects will also be approached to provide optional blood sample for testing of viral kinetics (HCV RNA), donor 
and recipient IL-28B polymorphisms, and alloimmune responses (T- and B-cell function).  Samples will be stored 
in a locked freezer, using encrypted patient IDs.  
 
De-identified samples from subjects may be sent to other investigators for their research. These samples may 
include information such as sex, age, health history, or ethnicity. These samples will not be sold. Some future 
studies may need health information (such as smoking history or present health status) that may require 
contacting the subject to obtain. 
8.2. Study schedule of procedures 
8.2.1. Visits, lab testing, and other clinical testing   
See next page for table. 
 

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27 
 
 
Visit Schedule 
Research Visit Activities 
Research Labs 
Standard of Care 
Week(s) post-KT 
Day(s) post-
KT 
Visit 
Study Visits 
Lab-Only 
Informed Consent 
Assess Adverse Events 
Current Medications 
RAND-36 
Health Status 
Questionnaire
HBV DNA HIV AB & LFTs 
HBV Core Antibody 
Urine Preg Test 
Urine Protien/Cre Ratio 
HCV RNA 
Viral Kinetics (optional) 
NS5A Resistance 
Genotyping 
Vitals & 
Physical Exam 
Surveillance biopsy 
CMP* 
CBC 
Tacrolimus 
Screening 
 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
 
✓ 
 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
 
 
1 (Begin 
treatment) 
3 ± 1 day 
V1 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
1 
7 ± 1 day 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
2 
10 ± 1 day 
V2 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
2 
14 ± 1 day 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
 
\ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
3 
21 ± 3 day 
V3 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
4 
28 ± 3 day 
V4 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
6 
42 ± 7 day 
V5 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
8 
56 ± 7 day 
V6 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
10 
70 ± 7 day 
V7 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
12 
84 ± 7 day 
V8 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
13 
 (End treatment)† 
91 ± 7 day 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16 (SVR 4)† 
112 ±14 day 
V9 
✓† 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
✓† 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
20 (SVR 8) 
140 ±7 day 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
24 (SVR 12) 
168 ±14 day 
V10 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
 
✓ 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
28† 
196 ±7 day 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
32 
224 ±7 day 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
36  (SVR 24) 
252 ±7 day 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
40 
280 ±14 day 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
✓ 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
52 
365 ±14 day 
V11 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
 
✓ 
 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
 
 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
✓ 
* CMP=comprehensive metabolic panel which includes basic metabolic panel and liver function tests        Viral Kinetics testing can be done anytime there is a standard of care blood draw 

Transplanting HCV Hearts into HCV Negative Heart Recipients            Protocol V.2.5 02/06/2018 
28 
†If patients require the 16 weeks of therapy, the last 4 weeks would be the same as weeks 9-12 of therapy        Only if HBV Core Antibodies are positive. 

Transplanting HCV Hearts into HCV Negative Heart Recipients            Protocol V.2.5 02/06/2018 
29 
8.2.2. Blood sampling volumes 
Maximum Post-Transplant Blood Draw Totals 
Week 
Post-
KT 
CBC CMP Tacrolimus 
HBV 
Core 
Antibody 
HCV 
RNA 
Viral 
Kinetics 
(optional) 
NS5A 
Resistance 
Blood Draw Total 
1 
4 
4.5 
4 
4 
6 
6 
2 
28.5 
1 
4 
4.5 
4 
0 
6 
6 
0 
24.5 
2 
4 
4.5 
4 
0 
6 
6 
0 
24.5 
2 
4 
4.5 
4 
0 
6 
6 
0 
24.5 
3 
4 
4.5 
4 
0 
6 
6 
0 
24.5 
4 
4 
4.5 
4 
0 
6 
6 
0 
18.5 
6 
4 
4.5 
4 
4 
6 
6 
0 
24.5 
8 
4 
4.5 
4 
0 
6 
6 
0 
24.5 
10 
4 
4.5 
4 
0 
0 
6 
0 
18.5 
12 
4 
4.5 
4 
4 
6 
6 
0 
28.5 
16 
4 
4.5 
4 
0 
6 
6 
0 
24.5 
20 
4 
4.5 
4 
0 
6 
6 
0 
24.5 
24 
4 
4.5 
4 
0 
6 
6 
0 
24.5 
28 
4 
4.5 
4 
0 
0 
6 
0 
18.5 
36 
4 
4.5 
4 
0 
6 
6 
0 
24.5 
40 
4 
4.5 
4 
0 
0 
6 
0 
18.5 
52 
4 
4.5 
4 
0 
6 
6 
0 
24.5 
Total 
68 
76.5 
68 
0 
84 
102 
2 
400.5 
 There may be additional blood draws due to optional Viral Kinetics lab testing increasing the total sample 
volume. 
8.3. Subject retention and drug adherence 
We will enforce subject retention in several ways. We will record extensive contact information for each subject 
at their enrollment in the trial. This will include home, work, and cellular telephone numbers. The research staff 
will call before each study visit to remind the subject to attend.  We will also obtain contact information of a 
family member or friend so that we can contact him/her if the subject does not answer his/her regular phone 
number. 
An adequate record of receipt, distribution, and return of all study drugs must be kept. Subject adherence with 
the treatment and protocol includes willingness to comply with all aspects of the protocol, and to have blood 
collected for all safety evaluations.   
The research staff and physician will explain the importance of adherence with the study protocol at each 
subject contact. If a subject fails to comply with a study visit, the staff will contact him or her by telephone. If 
this fails, the staff will send two certified express letters one week apart, to request follow-up. 
We have considered how to minimize non-adherence with therapy. We will strongly emphasize the importance 
of complying with the study drug treatment. Nonetheless, we will perform pill counts at visits and record 
episodes when medication is withheld for any reason. If a subject has a serious adverse event (SAE) (whether 
related to study drugs or not), we will continue to follow-up with the subject for study assessments to assist with 
safety monitoring and to avoid the problems introduced by missing data. The inclusion of such follow-up data 

Transplanting HCV Hearts into HCV Negative Heart Recipients            Protocol V.2.5 02/06/2018 
30 
will allow for analysis by intention-to-treat. If a study subject withdraws consent, he/she will no longer be 
followed. 
 

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31 
9 CHAPTER 6: ASSESSMENT OF EFFICACY AND OUTCOME MEASURES 
9.1. Assessments of Efficacy 
The primary aims of the study are to determine sustained virologic response rates (SVR) of open-label Zepatier 
administered to HCV-negative patients with heart failure who receive a heart transplant from a genotype 1 or 4 
HCV-positive donor, leading to post-transplant de-novo HCV infection.   
9.1.1. Sustained Virologic Response (SVR) 
SVR will be based on the standard definition of SVR-12, defined as an undetectable HCV RNA in a subject’s 
serum 12 weeks after completing treatment for HCV (12 weeks after the subject takes the last dose of Zepatier). 
9.2. Secondary Outcome Measures 
• 
To determine safety of administering Zepatier to heart transplant recipients who were previously HCV-
negative, but developed de-novo HCV after receiving a heart transplant from an HCV-positive donor 
• 
To determine 1-year graft survival rates of HCV-negative heart transplant patients who receive a heart 
transplant from a genotype 1 or 4 HCV-positive donor, including those who spontaneously clear HCV 
and those who receive open-label Zepatier upon development of de-novo HCV. 
• 
To evaluate rates of spontaneous clearance of HCV among HCV-negative patients who receive a heart 
transplant from a genotype 1 or 4 HCV-positive donor. 
9.2.1. Safety 
Subject safety and adverse events will be based in CTCAE Version 4 criteria, listed in Section 13, and will include 
adverse events and serious adverse events, related both to receipt of a heart transplant from an HCV-positive 
donor among HCV-negative subjects with heart failure, and adverse events related to administration of Zepatier. 
9.2.2. Graft Survival 
Graft survival will be based on standardize United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) criteria, with a graft failure 
defined as subject death, or re-transplantation  within the first year post-transplantation. 
9.2.3. Spontaneous Clearance or Non-Transmission of HCV 
Spontaneous clearance or non-transmission of HCV will be based on an undetectable HCV RNA level at post-
transplant weeks 1-4 in the absence of treatment among HCV-negative subjects who receive a heart transplant 
from a confirmed genotype 1 or 4 HCV-positive donor. Any subject who experiences spontaneous clearance of 
HCV or non-transmission of HCV will still be tested for HCV RNA at weeks 8, 16, and 28, to ensure that their 
levels are still undetectable.  

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32 
10 CHAPTER 7: STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS 
10.1. Study Design 
This open-label trial involves one primary and several secondary objectives.  Post-transplant HCV status will be 
monitored, and patients will be treated with 12-16 weeks of Zepatier therapy, after which time, treatment will 
be complete, barring instances of treatment failure, which would require an additional 12 weeks of therapy.*   
10.2. Disposition of Subjects and Baseline Comparisons 
Summaries of all subjects screened, recruited, and enrolled will be provided, according to the CONSORT 
guidelines. The treatment groups will be evaluated at baseline with respect to demographics and baseline 
measurements related to efficacy and safety without formal statistical testing. 
10.3. Analyses of Outcome Measures 
The primary analysis will evaluate SVR-12 rates of HCV-negative heart transplant recipients who receive a heart 
from an HCV-positive donor and subsequently develop de-novo HCV.  All patients will be assessed for toxicity 
and included in the safety analysis. This analysis will include summaries of the incidence and grade of toxicities. 
Patients will be evaluated for serious adverse events. Safety interim analyses will be performed and reported at 
each DSMB meeting.  
10.4. Missing Data and Dropouts 
We will attempt to minimize missing data, however we have planned for its occurrence. For subjects lost to 
follow-up, we will use all of the information available until the end of follow-up. Subjects who withdraw consent 
will no longer be followed in this protocol.  Patients will receive care from the patients’ clinicians. 
 
For patients lost to follow-up, we will use all the information available up to the time of loss to follow-up. For 
the primary end point, we will perform an analysis of completers only. We will also perform additional sensitivity 
analyses using imputation to assess the impact of missing data for the primary and secondary end points. 
10.5. Protocol Violations 
Serious protocol deviations such as discontinuation of experimental treatment unrelated to adverse events (AEs) 
will be carefully recorded and regularly reviewed by co-Principal Investigators. Remedial changes in procedure 
will be recommended where feasible to reduce the incidence of such deviations. The causes and circumstances 
of all violations will be documented where known for purposes of future secondary analyses and interpretation. 
Because all primary analyses will be intent-to-treat, it is essential that violations be kept to a minimum, 
especially where it is possible to influence their rate of occurrence. A missed study visit will not be considered a 
protocol violation unless the study drug was scheduled to be dispensed at the visit, the subject did not have 
necessary labs done, or the subject has not been stable.  
10.6. Safety Analysis 
All patients will be assessed for toxicity and included in the safety analysis. This analysis will include summaries 
of the incidence and grade of toxicities. Safety interim analyses will be performed at days 14, 30, 60, 90, 118, 
and 184, and will be reported at each DSMB meeting.  SAEs will be evaluated by the DSMB..  
 
 

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33 
11 CHAPTER 8: QUALITY CONTROL AND DATA HANDLING 
 
11.1. Personnel Training 
Prior to enrolling the first subject in the study protocol, the Principal Investigators will ensure that the 
Investigator staff has completed appropriate training and that all documentation including IRB approval is 
completed and available. The purpose of training is to ensure that study personnel are carrying out the protocol 
in a consistent way and adhering to good clinical practice guidelines. Staff will have current Human Subjects  
 
Training Certification on file. Before enrollment begins, study staff who will perform the outcome assessments 
will be trained in all procedures, including completion of the REDCap database. 
 
The co-PIs and research staff will constitute the first line of monitoring of the safety of the human participants. 
Surveillance for AEs will consist of questioning subjects about potential AEs at every study contact, having 
subjects report any AE to the study team, and having subjects undergo vital sign checks and physical exams 
during each study visit. Laboratories will be performed at selected visits and checked. 
All study personnel are required to read the consent form, the protocol, and the IB. 
11.2. Data Quality  
The co-PIs and research staff will perform continuous monitoring of data quality and completion of CRFs. All 
consent forms and screening logs will be subject to audit by the University of Pennsylvania.  Summary statistics 
from the screening logs will be sent to Merck quarterly or as requested. Finally, Merck staff reviews the 
reporting, documentation and follow-up of SAEs to assure that these events were handled according to required 
study procedures.  All data on AEs and SAEs will be made available to the DSMB, as per the timeline outlined in 
the DSMB Charter. 
11.3. Audit and Inspection 
Inspections may be carried out by regulatory health authority representatives [i.e., FDA] as well as the IRB. 
11.4. Archiving 
Essential documents shall be archived safely and securely in such a way that ensures that they are readily 
available upon authorities’ request. Patient (hospital) files will be archived according to local regulations and in 
accordance with the maximum period of time permitted by the hospital, institution or private practice. 
 
 
 

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34 
12 CHAPTER 9: PARTICIPANT SAFETY AND CONFIDENTIALITY 
 
12.1. Informed Consent 
Informed Consent will be obtained for enrollment from participants. For each consent process, study personnel 
will discuss the details of the study, the risks and benefits, and the subject’s rights and responsibilities if they 
choose to participate in the trial and their right to refuse to participate.  It will be made clear that their clinical 
care will not be affected by their decision. 
 
Each subject will have ample time and opportunity to ask questions and will be informed about the right to 
withdraw from the study at any time without any disadvantage and without having to provide reasons for this 
decision. 
 
Only after the subject consents voluntarily and agrees to sign the ICF and has done so, may he/she enter the 
study.  Additionally, the investigator and other information provider (if any) will sign and date the form.  The 
subject will receive a copy of the signed and dated form. 
 
The signed informed consent statement is to remain in the investigator site file or 
 
If the patient is not capable of providing a signature, a verbal statement of consent can also be given in the 
presence of an impartial witness (independent of the investigator).  This is to be documented by a signature 
from the informing physician as well as by a signature from the witness. 
 
The ICF and any other written information provided to subjects / legal representatives or proxy consenters will 
be revised whenever important new information becomes available that may be relevant to the subject’s 
consent, or there is an amendment to the protocol that necessitates a change to the content of the subject 
information and / or the written ICF.  The investigator will inform the subject / legal representative or proxy 
consenter of changes in a timely manner and will ask the subject to confirm his/her participation in the study by 
signing the revised ICF.  Any revised written ICF and written information must receive the IEC/IRB’s approval in 
advance of use. 
12.2. Institutional Review Board Process  
Study staff will obtain IRB approval before any study procedures are initiated. 
 
12.3. Insurance 
The heart transplant itself will be paid for by subjects’ insurance carriers, and does not require any additional 
pre-authorization because of the potential to receive a heart from a hepatitis C-positive donor.  The costs of all 
visits and tests described above will be billed to the insurance carrier, except for the blood draw for research 
purposes (which includes the hepatitis C genotype test, which is based on a laboratory-developed test using 
materials purchased from the commercial entity that developed this test, and will be paid for by the research 
team), and the study drug, which will be paid for by Merck. Subjects are still responsible for any deductibles or 
applicable co-pays for routine office visits, blood work and procedures. We do not expect subjects to have 
health insurance coverage/payment issues due to becoming infected with hepatitis C, per se, and the study is 
designed so subjects do not require additional study visits post-transplant, provided there are no adverse 
events. 
 

Transplanting HCV Hearts into HCV Negative Heart Recipients            Protocol V.2.5 02/06/2018 
35 
12.4. Laboratory Values 
The following clinical laboratory tests will be measured and repeated at time points specified in schedule of 
procedures (section 8.2.1) and as clinically indicated. 
12.4.1. Chemistry 
• 
Hepatic function panel including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, 
total and direct bilirubin, and albumin.   
• 
Basic metabolic panel including BUN and creatinine. 
12.4.2. Serum virologic testing 
• 
HCV RNA (with Genotyping per protocol) 
• 
Hepatitis B surface antigen  
• 
HIV antibody testing.    
• 
HBV Core Antibody (as needed) 
12.4.3. Pregnancy Testing 
Blood and urine pregnancy tests will be performed (as appropriate) per the schedule of procedures (section 5.2). 
12.4.4. Hepatitis C Viral Kinetics  
Each time standard of care laboratories are drawn, subjects may have one additional purple -top tube drawn 
(4cc of blood). This blood test is optional. The research coordinator will process the tube and store it in a -80◦ 
freezer in the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine 7th Floor Gastroenterology Research Office. Each month, 
these tubes will be shipped to Abbott Pharmaceuticals so they can test for HCV antibodies, HCV core antigen, 
and HCV RNA. These additional tests will be included in the informed consent process for all subjects. Abbott will 
perform these tests free of charge to University of Pennsylvania once both are able to reach a Material Transfer 
Agreement (MTA). 
12.4.5. IL28B Genotype Testing 
At the time of the subject’s heart transplant, both donor and recipient will have one tube of blood drawn to be 
used for IL28B Genotype Testing. Donors’ families will have already agreed to this test when they consent to 
research testing. Recipients must sign an additional consent form before this test is performed.  
12.5. Zepatier Related Laboratory Abnormalities and Drug Interactions 
Laboratory Abnormalities 
The following laboratory abnormalities were observed in studies done with Zepatier: 
 
Late elevations in aminotransferase levels greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal generally occurred in around 1-
3% of patients in previous Zepatier clinical trials; these increases were rarely associated with hyperbilirubinemia. These 
abnormalities were reversible and had no major clinical consequences.  
 
Effects of Zepatier on antiretrovirals: 
• 
Atazanavir/ritonavir 300/100mg co-administered with MK-5172 200mg daily somewhat increased atazanavir 
exposure (AUC increased 43%, Cmax increased 12%, C24 increased 23%). Co-administration of these 
medications is not recommended.  

Transplanting HCV Hearts into HCV Negative Heart Recipients            Protocol V.2.5 02/06/2018 
36 
• 
Darunivir/ritonavir 600/100 mg co-administered with MK-5172 200 mg was not significantly altered by either 
MK-5172 or MK-8742. However, due to DRV/r effects on Zepatier exposure, co-administration is not 
recommended.  
• 
Efavirenz was not significantly impacted when co-administered with Zepatier, though it may negatively impact 
Zepatier exposure. 
• 
Lopinavir/ritonavir exposures were not significantly impacted when co-administered with Zepatier. However, 
due to LPV/r effects on Zepatier exposure, co-administration is not recommended.  
 
Effect of Antiretrovirals on Zepatier: 
• 
Atazanavir/ritonavir 300/100mg co-administered with MK-5172 200mg significantly increased exposure 
of MK-5172 (AUC increased 10.58-fold, Cmax increased 6.24-fold, and C24 increased 11.6-fold). These 
findings were similar when ATV/r was combined with 50mg MK-8742. MK-8742 AUC geometric mean 
ratio (GMR) was 4.76, probably due to ATV/r CYP3A4/Pgp inhibition and possible inhibition of OATP-
mediated disposition of MK-8742. Co-administration of these medications is not recommended.  
• 
Exposures of MK-5172 were significantly increased when MK-5172 200 mg was co-administered with 
darunavir/ritonavir 600/100 mg daily. MK-5172 AUC increased 7.5-fold, Cmax increased 5.27-fold, and 
C24 increased 8-fold. MK-8742 exposures were also significantly increased when combined with DRV/r 
600/100 mg daily. MK-8742 AUC GMR following co-administration was 1.66. This increase is likely 
caused by CYP3A4/Pgp inhibition by DRV/r and possibly inhibition of OATP-mediated disposition of MK-
8742. For these reasons, co-administration of Zepatier and DVR/r is not recommended.  
• 
Efavirenz 600mg co-administration with MK-5172 200 mg decreased MK-5172 AUC by 84%, most likely 
due to CYP3A4 induction. The same dose EFV combined with MK-5172 50 mg also decreased MK-8742 
AUC 54% for the same reasons. Co-administration of these medications may cause sub-therapeutic MK-
5172 exposure. 
• 
Lopinavir/ritonavir 400/100 mg co-administered with MK-5172 200 mg significantly increased MK-5172 
exposure. MK-5172 AUC increased 12.86-fold, Cmax increase 7.31-fold, and C24 increased 21.7-fold. 
When the same dose of LPV/r was administered with MK-8742 50 mg, MK-8742 AUC GMR was 
increased to 3.71. LPV/r likely impacts MK-8742 exposures due to CYP3A4/Pgp inhibition and possible 
inhibition of OATP-mediated disposition. Co-administration of these medications is not recommended.  
 
Effect of Zepatier on Other Drugs: 
• 
Rosuvastatin 10 mg co-administered with Zepatier 200/50 mg increased rosuvastatin exposure. 
Rosuvastatin AUC and Cmax were increased 59% and 325% respectively when exposed to MK-5172 
alone and 126% and 449% when exposed to the combined Zepatier pill. The most likely cause of the 
increase is pre-systemic inhibition of rosuvastatin efflux in the liver and/or gut due to BCRP inhibition. 
Clinicians may want to avoid co-administration of Zepatier and rosuvastatin.  
• 
Midazolam 2 mg/mL combined with multi-dose MK-5172 200 mg daily decreased midazolam AUC to 
34%. MK-5172 is likely a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor.  
• 
Multiple oral doses of rifampin did not significantly affect MK-5172 AUC, but reduced C24h by 85%. This 
decrease was presumably due to the combined effect of OATP inhibition and CYP3A4/Pgp induction by 
chronic rifampin administration. Clinicians should avoid co-administration of these medications until 
further data becomes available. 
 
Effect of Other Drugs on Zepatier: 
• 
Rosuvastatin 10 mg co-administered with Zepatier 200/50 mg did not significantly alter MK-5172/8742 
exposure. However, due to Zepatier effects on rosuvastatin exposure, clinicians may wish to avoid co-
administration. 

Transplanting HCV Hearts into HCV Negative Heart Recipients            Protocol V.2.5 02/06/2018 
37 
• 
Ketoconazole (CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitor) approximately tripled MK-5172 AUC. In healthy male subjects 
taking 400 mg multi-dose ketoconazole, MK-8742 AUC increased by 31%.   
• 
Combining MK-5172 200 mg and a single dose of 600 mg IV rifampin caused a 12.6-fold increase in MK-
5172 AUC, compared to an 8.35-fold increase with a single dose of oral rifampin 600 mg. This is likely 
due to P-gp and OATP inhibition by rifampin. Clinicians should avoid co-administration of these 
medications until further data becomes available.  
12.6. Other Events 
We will not discontinue study drug for clinical events not thought to be serious drug-related AEs. For example, a 
hospitalization for clinical worsening may or may not result in cessation of trial participation. Such events could 
result in missing data for primary and secondary endpoints, comprising the integrity of the analysis. This trial 
does prohibit certain therapies, thus there may be a reason to stop study drug participation under such 
circumstances. Even if subjects are withdrawn from the study drug, outcome assessments will continue, allowing 
analysis by intent-to-treat. 
12.7. Safety and Adverse Events 
12.7.1. Definitions 
Adverse event (AE):  Any untoward medical occurrence associated with the protocol procedures, whether or 
not considered product or process related. Any symptom, sign, illness or experience that develops or worsens in 
severity during the course of the study.  Inter-current illnesses or injuries should be regarded as AEs.  Abnormal 
results of diagnostic procedures are considered to be AEs if the abnormality: 
• results in study withdrawal 
• is associated with a serious AE 
• is associated with clinical signs or symptoms 
• leads to additional treatment or to further diagnostic tests 
• is considered by the investigator to be of clinical significance 
 
Serious adverse event (SAE): Adverse events are classified as serious or non-serious.  A serious adverse event is 
any AE that is: 
• fatal 
• life-threatening 
• requires or prolongs hospital stay 
• results in persistent or significant disability or incapacity 
• a congenital anomaly or birth defect 
• an important medical event 
 
Important medical events are those that may not be immediately life threatening, but are clearly of major 
clinical significance. They may jeopardize the subject, and may require intervention to prevent one of the other 
serious outcomes noted above.  For example, drug overdose or abuse, a seizure that did not result in in-subject 
hospitalization or intensive treatment of bronchospasm in an emergency department would typically be 
considered serious. 
 
All AEs that do not meet any of the criteria for serious should be regarded as non-serious AEs. 
Suspected adverse reaction:  Any adverse event for which there is a reasonable possibility that the 
drug/investigational product caused the adverse event. For reporting purposes, "reasonable possibility" means 

Transplanting HCV Hearts into HCV Negative Heart Recipients            Protocol V.2.5 02/06/2018 
38 
there is evidence to suggest a causal relationship between the drug/investigational product and the adverse 
event.  
 
Unanticipated Adverse Device Effect (ADE):  is any serious adverse effect on health or safety, or any life-
threatening problem or death caused by, or associated with, a device, if that effect, problem, or death was not 
previously identified in nature, severity, or degree of incidence in the investigational plan or application, or any 
other unanticipated serious problem associated with a device that relates to the rights, safety, or welfare of 
subjects. 
12.7.2. Classifying Adverse Events 
Severity 
 
The intensity of the AE is classified according to the CTCAEv4.0.14  Grade refers to the severity (intensity) of the 
AE:  
• 
CTCAEv4 Grade 1: mild; asymptomatic or mild symptoms; clinical or diagnostic observations only; 
intervention is not indicated. 
• 
CTCAEv4 Grade 2: moderate; minimal, local, or noninvasive intervention is indicated; limiting to age-
appropriate instrumental activities of daily living (ADL; instrumental ADL refers to preparing meals, 
shopping for groceries or clothes, using the telephone, managing money, etc). 
• 
CTCAEv4 Grade 3: severe or medically significant but not immediately life threatening; hospitalization or 
prolongation of hospitalization is indicated; disabling; limiting to self-care ADL (self-care ADL refers to 
bathing, dressing and undressing, feeding self, using the toilet, taking medications, and not bedridden). 
• 
CTCAEv4 Grade 4: life-threatening consequences; urgent intervention is indicated. 
• 
CTCAEv4 Grade 5: death due to an AE. 
 
Expectedness 
AEs must be assessed as to whether they were expected to occur or were unexpected, meaning not anticipated 
based on current knowledge found in the protocol, investigator brochure, product insert, or label. 
Expected:  an AE/ADE known to be associated with the intervention or condition under study. 
Unexpected:  an AE/ADE for which the nature or severity is not consistent with information about the condition 
under study or intervention in the protocol, consent form, product brochure, or investigator brochure. 
 
OHRP defines an unexpected AE as any AE occurring in one or more subjects participating in a research 
protocol, the nature, severity, or frequency of which is not consistent with either: 
1) the known or foreseeable risk of AEs associated with the procedures involved in the research that are 
described in a) the protocol-related documents, such as the IRB-approved research protocol, any 
applicable investigator brochure, and the current IRB-approved informed consent document, and b) 
other relevant sources of information, such as product labeling and package inserts; or 
2) the expected natural progression of any underlying disease, disorder, or condition of the subject(s) 
experiencing the AE and the subject’s predisposing risk factor profile for the AE. 
 
Relatedness 
1) Definite: the AE/ADE is clearly related to the research procedures 
2) Probably: the AE/ADE is likely related to the research procedures 
3) Possible: the AE/ADE may be related to the research procedures 
4) Unlikely: the AE/ADE is doubtfully related to the research procedures 
5) Unrelated: the AE/ADE is clearly not related to the research procedures 
 

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For each identified AE/ADE, an entry on the AE/ADE form will be completed. Reporting procedures should be 
started immediately upon learning of a SAE/ADE. 
12.7.3.  Interpretation of Definitions 
AE Reporting Period 
The study period during which AEs must be reported is normally defined as the time of consent to the end of the 
study treatment follow-up. However, for this study, the AE reporting period will be divided based on the three 
phases of the study. 
 
a. Screening phase: When all screening tests have been done, we will assess for any AEs related to the 
screening tests at the time of communication with the subject about whether he/she is official eligible or 
ineligible for the study.  
Preexisting Condition: A preexisting condition is one that is present at the start of the study.  A 
preexisting condition should be recorded as an AE if the frequency, intensity, or the character of the 
condition worsens during the study period. 
 
b. Waitlist phase:   We will only capture AEs that are pertinent to the study. Specifically the following will be 
captured:  
1. Patient death,  
2. Patient develops a condition that would exclude them from the study,  
3. Patient is de-listed (taken off the heart transplant waitlist),  
4. Patient is made inactive on the transplant waitlist,  
5. Patient is transplanted with a non-HCV heart.   
In order to ascertain these events, we will review the patient’s medical record once a month, and will 
contact the patient (by phone, e-mail, or in-person) every 6-8 weeks. 
 
c. Post-transplant phase: All AEs will be assessed at every clinic visit when the subject is seen by a member 
of the study team.   
 
d. Post-study: At the last scheduled visit, the investigator will instruct each subject to report any 
subsequent event(s) that the subject, or the subject’s personal physician, believes might reasonably be 
related to participation in this study.   
All unresolved AEs considered possibly, probably or definitely related to the study drug should be 
followed by the investigator until the events are resolved, the subject is lost to follow-up, or the AE is 
otherwise explained.  The investigator should notify the IRB of any death or AE occurring at any time 
after a subject has discontinued or terminated study participation that may reasonably be related to this 
study.  The IRB will also be notified if the investigator should become aware of the development of 
cancer or of a congenital anomaly in a subsequently conceived offspring of a subject that has participated 
in this study. 
 
General Physical Examination Findings (screening, post-transplant, and post-study phases) 
At screening, any clinically significant abnormality should be recorded as a preexisting condition.  At the end of 
the study, any new clinically significant findings/abnormalities that meet the definition of an AE must also be 
recorded and documented as an AE. 
 
 
Abnormal Laboratory Values (post-transplant, and post-study phases) 
A clinical laboratory abnormality should be documented as an AE if any one of the following conditions is met: 

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• The laboratory abnormality is considered clinically significant by the local PI and is not otherwise refuted 
by a repeat test to confirm the abnormality 
• The abnormality suggests a disease and/or organ toxicity 
• The abnormality is of a degree that requires active management; e.g. change of dose, discontinuation of 
the drug, more frequent follow-up assessments, further diagnostic investigation, etc. 
Hospitalization, Prolonged Hospitalization or Surgery (post-transplant and post-study phase) 
Any AE that results in hospitalization or prolonged hospitalization should be documented and reported as a 
serious AE unless specifically instructed otherwise in this protocol, with the exception of hospitalization at the 
time of a heart offer and/or heart transplant.  Any condition responsible for surgery should be documented as 
an AE if the condition meets the criteria for and AE. 
 
Neither the condition, hospitalization, prolonged hospitalization, nor surgery are reported as an AE in the 
following circumstances: 
• Hospitalization or prolonged hospitalization for diagnostic or elective surgical procedures for a preexisting 
condition.  Surgery should not be reported as an outcome of an AE if the purpose of the surgery was 
elective or diagnostic and the outcome was uneventful. 
• Hospitalization or prolonged hospitalization for therapy of the target disease of the study, unless it is a 
worsening or increase in frequency of hospital admissions as judged by the clinical investigator. 
12.7.4. Reporting Procedures for Unanticipated Problems, Adverse Events, and Adverse Device Effects 
Principal investigators should notify and local IRB, in an expedited manner, of those events related to study 
participation that are unforeseen and indicate that participants or others are at increased risk of harm. 
Researchers should submit reports of the following problems: 
 
Any AE/ADE or UP (regardless of whether the event is serious or non-serious, on-site or off-site) that occurs any 
time during or after the research study, which in the opinion of the principal investigator is: 
 
Unexpected (An event is “unexpected” when its specificity and severity are not accurately reflected in the 
protocol-related documents, such as the IRB-approved research protocol, any applicable investigator brochure, 
and the current IRB-approved informed consent document and other relevant sources of information, such as 
product labeling and package inserts.) 
AND 
Related to the research procedures (An event is “related to the research procedures” if in the opinion of the 
principal investigator, the event was more likely than not to be caused by the research procedures.) 
AND 
Suggests that the research places subjects or others at a greater risk of harm (including physical, psychological, 
economic, or social harm) than was previously known or recognized. 
 
Additionally, all adverse events/adverse device effects shall be documented by the PI team, assessed, and 
shared with. All Serious Adverse Events will be forwarded to Merck Worldwide Product Safety. 
 
 
What Event is Reported 
By Whom is Event 
Reported 
To Whom is Event 
Reported 
When is Event Reported 

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12.7.4.1. Reporting Process 
UPs posing risks to subjects or others as noted above will be reported to local IRB using a Medwatch or CIOMS 
report of the event (including a description of the event with information regarding its fulfillment of the above 
criteria, follow-up/resolution and need for revision to consent form and/or other study documentation) will be 
completed. 
Fatal unexpected, suspected serious 
adverse event 
 
(SAE/ADE – death that is unexpected 
and poss/prob/def related to the 
research) 
Investigator 
Local IRB 
Within 24 hours of initial 
receipt of information 
Life-threatening unexpected, 
suspected serious adverse reactions 
 
(SAE/ADE- life-threatening, 
unexpected, poss/prob/def related to 
the research) 
 
Investigator 
Local IRB 
Within 3 calendar days of 
initial receipt of 
information  
 
Non-fatal, non-life-threatening 
unexpected, suspected serious 
adverse reactions 
 
(SAE/ADE – unexpected, poss/prob/def 
related, non-life-threatening 
hospitalization, prolonged 
hospitalization, 
disability/incapacity/birth defects, 
important medical event)  
Investigator 
Local IRB 
Unanticipated Problem that is not an 
SAE 
 
(AE/ADE or non-AE, unexpected, 
poss/prob/def related and suggests 
greater risk of harm) 
 
e.g.  Development of moderate 
hypersomnia that resolve after 
discontinuing drug.  This AE/ADE 
although not-serious, is not listed as 
an expected event in the consent.  
Thus it is an AE that is unexpected, 
possibly related (resolved after coming 
off drug), and places subject(s) at 
greater risk of harm than previously 
known 
Investigator 
Local IRB 
Within 10 calendar days of 
initial receipt of 
information 

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All Serious Adverse Events, regardless of causal relationship to the investigational product, will be forwarded to 
Merck Worldwide Product Safety via fax (215-993-1220) within 2 working days of the investigator becoming 
aware of the event and no later than 3 calendar days. 
 
The Principal Investigator is expected to provide as much of the following information: 
• 
Protocol name and number 
• 
Subject identifiers (no PHI will be shared with the IRB, unless requested) 
• 
Demographic data 
• 
Nature of the event 
• 
Severity of the event 
• 
Probable relationship (causality) of AE to study procedure 
• 
Date and time of AE onset 
• 
Date and time of AE resolution, if available 
• 
Concomitant medications that the participant was taking for an underlying medical condition or disease 
and the therapeutic agents used for the treatment of the adverse event 
o Clinical assessment of participant conducted at time of SAE/AE 
o Results of any laboratory and/or diagnostic procedures, and treatment 
o Follow-up plan 
o Outcome 
o Autopsy findings (if appropriate) 
The Principal Investigator will provide details about the AE/ADE as they become available. If additional 
information cannot be obtained for whatever reason, this will be documented. The Principal Investigator should 
inform the IRB when no other information is expected. The Principal Investigator should provide the IRB with a 
logical, complete, and accurate narrative description of the SAE based upon the above information. 
 
The Principal Investigator should promptly determine an assessment of causality 
 
The IRB determines if any corrective actions should be initiated as a result of any known specific or collective 
SAE/AE(s) and inform the principal investigator of the corrective action (e.g., revision of informed consent form, 
protocol, CRF). 
 
The Principal Investigator/designee should keep originals or photocopies of all relevant documentation, 
including facsimile confirmations, and file them in the participant's file.  
 
The Principal Investigator should ensure that all routine AE(s) are reported as part of the periodic or annual 
reporting requirements to the IRB of record. 
 
The Principal Investigator should file copies of all correspondence with the IRB in the appropriate section of the 
Regulatory Master File or site study file. 
 
 
Other Reportable Events: 
The following events are also reportable to the IRB: 

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• Any adverse experience that, even without detailed analysis, represents an unexpected SAE that is rare in 
the absence of drug exposure (such as agranulocytosis, hepatic necrosis).  
• Any AE that would cause a modification to the investigators brochure, protocol or ICF, or would prompt 
other action by the IRB to assure protection of human subjects. 
• Information that indicates a change to the risks or potential benefits of the research, in terms of severity 
or frequency. For example: 
– An interim analysis indicates that participants have a lower rate of response to treatment than initially 
expected. 
– Safety monitoring indicates that a particular side effect is more severe, or more frequent than initially 
expected. 
– A paper is published from another study that shows that an arm of your research study is of no 
therapeutic value. 
• Breach of confidentiality 
• Change to the protocol taken without prior IRB review to eliminate apparent immediate hazard to a 
research participant. 
• Incarceration of a participant when the research was not previously approved under Subpart C and the 
investigator believes it is in the best interest of the subject to remain on the study. 
• Complaint of a participant when the complaint indicates unexpected risks or the complaint cannot be 
resolved by the research team. 
• Protocol violation (meaning an accidental or unintentional deviation from the IRB approved protocol) that 
in the opinion of the investigator placed one or more participants at increased risk, or affects the rights or 
welfare of subjects. 
 
Unanticipated Problem Involving Risks to Subjects or Others (UPRSO): Any incident, experience, or outcome 
that meets all of the following criteria: 
1) Unexpected (in terms of nature, severity, or frequency) given a) the research procedures that are described 
in the protocol-related documents, such as the IRB-approved research protocol, informed consent 
document, or investigators brochure; and b) the characteristics of the subject population being studied; 
 
2) Related or possibly related to participation in the research (possibly related to participation in the research 
means there is a reasonable possibility that the AE, experience, or outcome may have been caused by the 
procedures involved in the research.); and 
 
3) Suggests that the research places subjects or others at a greater risk of harm (including physical, 
psychological, economic, or social harm) than was previously known or recognized. 
12.8. Subject Withdrawal  
A subject has the right to withdraw from the study entirely at any time for any reason without prejudice to 
future medical care by the investigator or other physician. The investigator also has the right to withdraw 
subjects from the study in the event of concurrent illness, AEs, or other reasons deemed to be in the subject’s 
best interest. 
 
Subjects must be withdrawn from the trial (treatment and procedures) for the following reasons:  

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• 
Subject withdraws consent for study treatment and study procedures.  A subject must be removed 
from the trial at his/her own request or at the request of his/her legally acceptable representative.  At 
any time during the trial and without giving reasons, a subject may decline to participate further. The 
subject will not suffer any disadvantage as a result. 
• 
Subject becomes pregnant while undergoing treatment with Zepatier—therapy will be stopped as 
there are no human safety data of Zepatier during pregnancy.  There are no adequate and well-
controlled studies with Zepatier in pregnant women. No effects on embryo-fetal development were 
observed in rats or rabbits at grazoprevir or elbasvir exposures higher than exposures in humans at 
the recommended clinical dose. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of 
human response, Zepatier should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the 
potential risk to the fetus.  Because the transmission rates of HCV from mother to fetus are very small, 
and HCV can be treated after pregnancy and delivery, therapy will not be continued during pregnancy. 
Patients will continue with the regularly scheduled study visits, but will not be eligible to receive 
continued Zepatier therapy. 
• 
Subject develops a condition that it is life threatening or any other significant risk as judged by the 
Investigators. Patients will not receive study drug, but will continue with study visits as scheduled. 
• 
Zepatier is no longer produced by the company, or if a decision is made to stop the study patients will 
not receive study drug, but will continue with study visits as scheduled. 
 
Any subject removed from the trial will remain under medical supervision until discharge or transfer is medically 
acceptable.  
 
In all cases, the reason for withdrawal must be recorded in the CRF and in the subject's medical records. 
 
In order to preserve the integrity of the intention-to-treat analysis, even if the subject is withdrawn from the 
treatment portion of the protocol (either due to subject, physician, or investigator decision), it is imperative to 
continue with the scheduled follow-up assessments both for the safety of the subject and for completeness of 
data collection. This will be explained to potential subjects at the time of informed consent. The importance of 
adherence with study visits will be reinforced throughout the trial. If the treatment is permanently withdrawn, 
the subject will return to the center for safety assessment (history, physical examination, and clinical 
laboratories, if necessary). 
12.9. Confidentiality of Study Data 
Information about study subjects will be kept confidential and managed according to the requirements of the 
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).  Those regulations require a signed subject 
authorization informing the subject of the following:  
 
• 
What protected health information (PHI) will be collected from subjects in this study 
• 
Who will have access to that information and why 
• 
Who will use or disclose that information 
• 
The rights of a research subject to revoke their authorization for use of their PHI 
 
In the event that a subject revokes authorization to collect or use PHI, the investigator, by regulation, retains the 
ability to use all information collected prior to the revocation of subject authorization.  For subjects that have 
revoked authorization to collect or use PHI, attempts should be made to obtain permission to collect at least 
vital status (i.e., that the subject is alive) at the end of their scheduled study period. 
 

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Should direct access to medical records require a waiver or authorization separate from the subject’s statement 
of informed consent, it is the responsibility of the Investigator to obtain such permission in writing from the 
appropriate individual. 
 
12.10. Potential Risks  
12.10.1. 
Risks of Study Procedures  
There are several areas of potential risk in this study.  We will obtain several blood samples from each subject. 
There is a risk of bruising, hematoma, and infection after phlebotomy, which are possible but not considered 
serious AEs. Fainting may occur, which is unlikely but considered a serious AE. The removal of <70 cc of blood 
every 1-4 weeks during the 40-week post-transplant period is a potential risk; however this amount is routinely 
taken from subjects for clinical indications without adverse effect. Study medications will be delayed until after 
phlebotomy on each study day. 
 
Because we may store subjects’ blood samples, there may be confidentiality risks associated with the storage 
and analysis of those samples or the information resulting from the analysis of those samples. Samples may be 
used for genetic testing. Under some circumstances, it can be a risk for genetic information to be known. To help 
ensure confidentiality, samples will be coded and stored in a secured facility. While situations cannot be 
foreseen where potentially sensitive genetic information is revealed or where people who should not have this 
information could obtain it (representing a loss of confidentiality), however, it is possible that presently 
unforeseen situations may arise where this could happen. 
 
The risk of undergoing screening includes potential identification of new health problems that subjects were 
unaware of. If we discover new health problems, we will answer subjects’ questions and try to arrange 
appropriate treatment if any is needed. If new health problems are discovered, it is possible that subjects would 
not be able to enter this study. It is also possible that subjects would no longer be eligible for heart 
transplantation based on the results. 
 
The risks of heart transplant surgery include blood loss, infections, and deep vein thrombosis. There are also 
risks related to immunosuppression and standard anti-infective therapy. 
 
The risks of any transplant include primary graft non-function, delayed graft function, acute rejection, and 
death. Re-admissions within 30 days after a heart transplant are expected in approximately 40% of patients. 
 
There may also be a small risk of developing Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) after receiving a 
heart from a HCV positive donor.  However, this condition can also develop in patients who do not have HCV. 
After transplant, we will monitor all patients for FSGS and similar conditions. 
12.10.2. 
Risk of Genotyping Failure 
There is a risk of failure of the Genotyping LDT in that no result is obtained. However, the risk to the recipient 
participant, in this event, is that they would not receive the transplant. Hence, the related risk is losing the 
opportunity to use the organ.  Failure of the LDT could be due to an instrument or cartridge failure or issues with 
the sample (e.g., the sample contains a very low level of virus).  To minimize the study impact of a failed 
cartridge, the HUP Molecular Pathology Laboratory will run the study samples in duplicate due to there not 
being enough time to repeat the test (as would be done with a sample in clinical care).  The duplicate sample 

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46 
testing will serve to provide additional confirmation of the result because the RNA extraction will be performed 
twice. Thus, confirmation testing will be performed on every sample in the study with a single result generated. 
 
There is also a risk of the Genotyping LDT giving an incorrect genotype. The risk to the recipient participant, in 
this event, is that they receive the transplant, but are possibly unable to be adequately treated for HCV 
positivity. Failure of the LDT to give an accurate genotype could be due to a mixed infection (e.g. genotype 1 and 
2) or HCV genotype 4f infection in the donor sample.   
12.10.3. 
Risk of NS5a Drug Resistance Test Failure 
The potential risks of the NS5a resistance testing are false negative and false positive test results. The risk of a 
false negative test result would be if the test does not report any one of the four pertinent polymorphisms, even 
though they are present (the presence of which would be rare). In this case, the patient would receive only 12 
weeks of Zepatier (rather than 16 weeks of Zepatier + renal-dosed Ribavirin), and potentially fail first-line 
therapy, requiring second-line therapy.   
 
A false positive result is less likely to happen than a false negative result. The risk of a false positive test result 
would be if the test reports a polymorphism when the subject does not have one. Hence, the subject would be 
exposed to Zepatier for 4 weeks longer than needed as well as Ribavirin, and potentially experiencing the 
products’ side effects.  
12.10.4. 
Risk of Study Drugs 
Zepatier 
In subjects receiving Zepatier for 12 weeks, the most commonly reported adverse reactions of all intensity 
(greater than or equal to 5% in placebo-controlled trials) were fatigue, headache, and nausea. In subjects 
receiving Zepatier with ribavirin for 16 weeks, the most commonly reported adverse reactions of moderate or 
severe intensity (greater than or equal to 5%) were anemia and headache. 15-17The greatest risk is failure to 
achieve SVR12 after treatment with Zepatier, leading to chronic HCV. 
 
There is a risk of fetal harm and birth defects should any woman taking Zepatier become pregnant while on the 
drug.15-17 Due to the age of the participants, this is a small risk, as all will be over 40 and unlikely to become 
pregnant. However, to mitigate this risk, all pre-menopausal women with a uterus will be screened for 
pregnancy before enrollment and instructed to use a highly effective form of birth control (e.g. abstinence, 
intrauterine device, etc.). Highly effective forms of birth control will be defined by the Mycophenolate Risk 
Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), a standard protocol used for post-transplant patients at Penn being 
treated with Mycophenolate.  
 
Sovaldi (Sofosbuvir) 
The most common adverse events (incidence greater than or equal to 20%, all grades) observed with Sovaldi in 
combination with ribavirin were fatigue and headache. The most common adverse events observed with Sovaldi 
in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin were fatigue, headache, nausea, insomnia and anemia.18  
  
Ribavirin 
The hemolytic anemia associated with ribavirin therapy may result in worsening of cardiac disease that has led 
to fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarctions. Significant teratogenic and embryocidal effects have been 
demonstrated in all animal species exposed to ribavirin. Therefore, ribavirin therapy is contraindicated in 
women who are pregnant and in the male partners of women who are pregnant.19  

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12.10.5. 
Risks of Developing HCV 
The risks of chronic HCV include severe acute inflammation of the liver that could lead to liver failure requiring a 
liver transplant. HCV may also cause a severe type of acute infection called fibrosing cholestatic HCV, that can 
cause severe liver injury, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), and progressive liver dysfunction. 
 
There is a small risk of transmission of HCV from the study subject to intimate partners during sexual activity. 
This risk is very low and should be reduced even further due to requirements for subjects to use barrier 
protection during sexual activity. 
12.11. Potential Benefits 
The results from the study could be applied in the future to subjects (including those in the study) who stand to 
benefit from the information. Subjects will experience clinical benefits as their heart function and quality of life 
should vastly improve following transplant. The study involves the risks of phlebotomy, development of chronic 
HCV, and loss of confidentiality, but there is a potential for future benefit for both subjects in the study and for 
future subjects, the risk/benefit ratio is favorable. 
12.12. Alternatives 
The use of the medications for this study requires that certain other medications not be used. Therefore, the 
alternative is to not participate in this study and to continue having the option to take these medications. 
12.13. Ethical Considerations 
The main ethical considerations in this trial are non-maleficence, respect for persons, and autonomy. Our 
selection criteria are designed to select subjects who are at substantial risk of death and health complications 
because of heart failure. Transplantation with a HCV-positive heart and then treatment for HCV also involve 
risks, but it is plausible that survival and quality of life will still improve after transplantation compared to the 
alternative of remaining on the list.  Our informed consent procedures are designed to enable individuals to 
make decisions that are consistent with their values. We will enumerate the many possible risks and plausible 
benefits. The processes of informed consent in this study will be conducted so that patients can ask questions, 
confer with their primary cardiologists and develop a full understanding of the trial procedures and risks, all of 
which is consistent with respect for persons. Lastly, subjects in the trial will retain the ability to consider organ 
offers and decide whether to accept an organ based on their own judgment about the value of that particular 
organ and after getting advice from their transplant team.   

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13 CHAPTER 11: GOOD CLINICAL PRACTICE 
This study is to be conducted accordance with applicable US government regulations and international 
standards of Good Clinical Practice, University of Pennsylvania requirements, and applicable institutional 
research policies and procedures. 
 
This protocol and any amendments will be submitted to the FDA and a properly constituted IRB in agreement 
with local legal prescriptions for formal approval of the study conduct.  The principal investigators will not 
commence the study until the IRB has issued written approval to the PIs.  
 
All subjects for this study will be provided a consent form describing this study and providing sufficient 
information for subjects to make an informed decision about their participation in this study. This consent form 
will be submitted with the protocol for review and approval by the IRB for the study.  The formal consent of a 
subject, using the IRB-approved consent form, must be obtained before that subject undergoes any study 
procedure.  The consent form must be signed by the subject or legally acceptable surrogate, and the 
investigator-designated research professional obtaining the consent. 
 
 
 
 
 

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14 CHAPTER 12: REFERENCES 
1. 
Sulkowski M, Hezode C, Gerstoft J, et al. Efficacy and safety of 8 weeks versus 12 weeks of treatment 
with grazoprevir (MK-5172) and elbasvir (MK-8742) with or without ribavirin in patients with hepatitis C 
virus genotype 1 mono-infection and HIV/hepatitis C virus co-infection (C-WORTHY): a randomised, 
open-label phase 2 trial. Lancet. 2015;385(9973):1087-1097. 
2. 
Lawitz E, Gane E, Pearlman B, et al. Efficacy and safety of 12 weeks versus 18 weeks of treatment with 
grazoprevir (MK-5172) and elbasvir (MK-8742) with or without ribavirin for hepatitis C virus genotype 1 
infection in previously untreated patients with cirrhosis and patients with previous null response with or 
without cirrhosis (C-WORTHY): a randomised, open-label phase 2 trial. Lancet. 2015;385(9973):1075-
1086. 
3. 
Forns X, Gordon SC, Zuckerman E, et al. Grazoprevir and elbasvir plus ribavirin for chronic HCV 
genotype-1 infection after failure of combination therapy containing a direct-acting antiviral agent. 
Journal of hepatology. 2015;63(3):564-572. 
4. 
Zeuzem S, Ghalib R, Reddy KR, et al. Grazoprevir-Elbasvir Combination Therapy for Treatment-Naive 
Cirrhotic and Noncirrhotic Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1, 4, or 6 Infection: A 
Randomized Trial. Annals of internal medicine. 2015;163(1):1-13. 
5. 
Reese PP, Abt PL, Blumberg EA, Goldberg DS. Transplanting Hepatitis C-Positive Kidneys. The New 
England journal of medicine. 2015;373(4):303-305. 
6. 
O'Leary JG, Neri MA, Trotter JF, Davis GL, Klintmalm GB. Utilization of hepatitis C antibody-positive 
livers: genotype dominance is virally determined. Transpl Int. 2012;25(8):825-829. 
7. 
Reddy KR FS, et al. Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir with Ribavirin for the Treatment of HCV in Patients with Post 
Transplant Recurrence: Preliminary Results of a Prospective, Multicenter Study. Hepatology. 
2014;60:200A. 
8. 
Roth D ND, Bruchfeld A, et al. C-Surfer: Grazoprevir Plus Elbasvir In Treatment-Naïve and Treatment-
Experienced Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1 Infection and Chronic Kidney Disease. EASL 
2015; 2015; Vienna, Austria. 
9. 
Van Deerlin, V. (December 2015). Hepatitis C Virus Genotyping (GenMark Assay) Validation Summary. 
10. 
Pawlak R RJ, Maranan G, Michel-Treil V, Schutzbank T. A Comparative Evaluation of the Siemens 
VERSANT HCV Genotype 2.0 (LiPA) and GenMark eSensor HCV Direct Genotyping Tests. CVS 2013 
Covance; 2013. 
11. 
Dahl A HD, Ogorek T, Hansen G. Comparison of the GenMark Direct Genotype Assay with the LiPA 
Genotype Assay Using a Diverse Spectrum of HCV Clinical Samples Encountered in a High Risk Inner City 
HCV Population. CVS 2013 Hennepin; 2013. 
12. 
Woodberry M SK, Castor J, Cook L, Jerome K. Genotyping of Hepatitis C Virus by the Genmark DX 
Esensor HCVG Direct Test. CVS 2013 UW-Seattle 2013. 
13. 
Quest Diagnostics, Inc. (December 2014). Test summary guide. Hepatitis C Viral RNA Genotype 1 NS5a 
Drug Resistance.  
www.questdiagnostics.com/testcenter/testguide.action?dc=TS_HCV_NS5A_Genotype&tabview=true 
Accessed March 14, 2016. 
14. 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute. 
(June 2010). Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Version 4.0. 
15. 
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corporation (January 2016). ZEPATIER™ tablets. Highlights of Prescribing 
Information. 2016. 
16. 
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corporation (July 2015). Elbasvir (MK-8742). Investigator’s Brochure (8th Ed.). 
2015. 
17. 
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corporation (July 2015). Grazoprevir (MK-5172). Investigator’s Brochure (10th 
Ed.). 2015. 

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18. 
Gilead Sciences, Inc. (August 2015). Sovaldi® (sofosbuvir) tablets. Highlights of Prescribing Information. 
2015. 
19. 
Sandoz, Inc. (May 2015) Ribavirin capsule. Highlights of Prescribing Information. 2015. 
http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=dc637c8f-9669-4bc5-8787-1fd5abaa588e.