A new implant for long-term HIV treatment
Official title: Ultra-long-acting Biodegradable and Tunable Polymeric Solid Implant for HIV Treatment Maintenance
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10885173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to create a special implant that slowly releases HIV medication over a long time, so people don’t have to take daily pills, making it easier for them to stick to their treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $740,222 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI176949-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10885173 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are living with HIV and face challenges with daily medication adherence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who do not have access to HIV treatment will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a biodegradable and tunable polymeric solid implant that can provide ultra-long-acting treatment for HIV. The goal is to create a solution that reduces the need for daily medication, thereby improving adherence among patients. By addressing the barriers to consistent treatment, this approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of HIV therapy and reduce the incidence of drug resistance. The research will involve testing the implant's safety and efficacy in delivering antiretroviral drugs over an extended period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment adherence for individuals living with HIV, leading to better health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Similar research has shown promise in developing long-acting treatments for chronic conditions, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Benhabbour, Soumya Rahima — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Benhabbour, Soumya Rahima
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.