A long-lasting implant for contraception and HIV prevention
Official title: Long-acting multi prevention implant for 2-year contraception and HIV PrEP
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11076310 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new implant that helps women prevent both pregnancy and HIV for up to two years without needing to take daily pills, making it easier and more discreet for those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $817,162 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI167659-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076310 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are sexually active women of childbearing age who are at risk for unintended pregnancies and HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not sexually active or those who do not require contraception or HIV prevention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a long-acting implant that provides both contraception and HIV prevention for women. The implant will release two medications, etonogestrel and islatravir, over a two-year period, eliminating the need for daily adherence to pills. By using a novel delivery system that allows for discreet administration, the goal is to improve access and adherence to these critical health interventions, particularly in regions heavily affected by HIV. This approach aims to reduce unintended pregnancies and the risk of HIV infection among at-risk women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce maternal mortality and the incidence of HIV among women of childbearing age.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing multipurpose prevention technologies, but this specific approach using a long-acting implant is innovative and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grattoni, Alessandro — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Grattoni, Alessandro
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mobile health support to boost PrEP and contraception use among young women in Zambia
A mobile health program helps female university students in Zambia learn about and access HIV prevention and contraception.
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Mobile health tool to boost PrEP and contraception use among female university students in Zambia
A mobile, peer-supported program helps young women in Zambia start and stick with PrEP and modern contraception to prevent HIV and unintended pregnancy.
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Two-year implant for birth control and HIV prevention
This project is developing a small under-the-skin implant to provide two years of contraception and HIV prevention for sexually active women.
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Pharmacy delivery of HIV prevention and birth control for young women in Kenya
This project offers HIV prevention pills (PrEP) and birth control at pharmacies to help adolescent girls and young women in Kenya get and use both services more easily.
-
Tablet-based peer support to help female university students in Zambia use PrEP and contraception
A tablet-led peer navigator program to help female university students in Zambia learn about and start using PrEP and modern contraception.
-
Using mobile health tools to improve contraception and HIV prevention among female university students in Zambia
This study is testing a helpful mobile program for female university students in Zambia to provide them with information and support about HIV prevention and birth control, making it easier for them to access the health services they need.
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.