A new test for quickly detecting HIV-1 infections at home
Official title: The HIV-Stick Assay: A Rapid, Molecular Detection Approach for Self-Monitoring HIV-1 Rebound Infection
Funded at Darwin Biosciences, INC. · NIH-11172344 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a simple and affordable home test that lets people check for early signs of HIV-1 infection or monitor their viral load if they’re already living with HIV, making it easier for them to take charge of their health without needing to visit a lab.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Darwin Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Broomfield, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $299,408 |
| NIH project number | 75N93024C00029-0-9999-1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11172344 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk of HIV infection, such as those taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and people living with HIV who need to monitor for viral spikes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of HIV infection and those who are not undergoing treatment for HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a low-cost, rapid diagnostic test that allows individuals to self-monitor for HIV-1 infections, particularly during the early stages of infection or when there is a risk of viral rebound in those already living with HIV. The test is designed for easy use at home, enabling individuals to collect their own samples and obtain results without needing to send samples to a lab. This approach is particularly beneficial for those at risk of HIV infection or those on antiretroviral therapy who need to monitor their viral load closely.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower patients to detect HIV-1 infections earlier and manage their health more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing rapid diagnostic tests for HIV, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Darwin Biosciences, INC.
Broomfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meyerson, Nicholas Ryan — Darwin Biosciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Meyerson, Nicholas Ryan
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.