A gene therapy approach to control HIV in high-risk groups
Official title: A Gene Drive Therapy for HIV: Single-Administration Intervention for High-RiskGroups
Funded at Autonomous Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11214723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new treatment that uses gene technology to help control the spread of HIV among people at higher risk, like those who inject drugs and female sex workers, with the hope that a single dose could make it easier for them to stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Autonomous Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Silver Spring, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $716,839 |
| NIH project number | 7DP1DA051144-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11214723 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from high-risk groups, particularly those who inject drugs or engage in high-risk sexual behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of high-risk groups or those who are already effectively managing their HIV with existing treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel gene drive therapy aimed at controlling the spread of HIV among high-risk populations, such as individuals who inject drugs and female sex workers. By utilizing advanced gene drive technologies, the therapy is designed to genetically modify the virus within these key groups, potentially reducing transmission rates. The approach involves a single administration of the therapy, which could simplify treatment and improve accessibility for those at highest risk. The research builds on preliminary studies that have shown promise in animal models, paving the way for potential human applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce HIV transmission rates in high-risk populations, leading to better health outcomes and a decrease in new infections.
How similar studies have gone: While gene drive technologies have shown success in controlling other infectious diseases like malaria, the application of this approach to HIV is relatively novel and untested in human populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Autonomous Therapeutics, INC.
Silver Spring, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weinberger, Leor S — Autonomous Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Weinberger, Leor S
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.