A new injectable method for contraception and HIV prevention.
Official title: Ultra-Long-Acting Polymeric Injectable Multi-Purpose Prevention Technology for Contraception and HIV Prevention
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11064826 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new long-lasting injection that helps women prevent both pregnancy and HIV, giving them more control over their health without needing to worry about taking a pill every day.
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 | April 13, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $720,390 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI162246-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064826 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who are at risk of HIV infection and are seeking effective contraception methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of HIV or do not require contraception may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a long-acting injectable formulation that can provide both contraception and HIV prevention, specifically designed for female use. The approach aims to create a multi-purpose prevention technology (MPT) that can be administered without the need for immediate sexual activity, enhancing women's control over their reproductive health. The methodology involves using innovative nano-formulations that release medication over extended periods, ensuring high efficacy and patient compliance. The study builds on existing data to overcome current limitations in combining multiple drugs into a single injection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide women with a reliable and convenient method for preventing both unplanned pregnancies and HIV infection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise with long-acting injectable formulations for HIV prevention, but this specific multi-purpose approach is novel.
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
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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.