ALIVE study: following and helping people who inject drugs with HIV and related health needs
Official title: AIDS Linked to the IntraVenous Experience (ALIVE) Study
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11572429 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Johns Hopkins-led project continues long-term research with people who inject drugs to understand HIV, other health problems, and ways to improve care and well‑being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2014 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $228,411 |
| NIH project number | 3U01DA036297-13S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11572429 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults who inject drugs and are at risk for or living with HIV, with attention to aging PWID, substance use, and related chronic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who do not use injection drugs or do not have HIV or related health concerns may be less directly benefited.
What this research studies
The ALIVE study has followed thousands of people who inject drugs in Baltimore for many years. This grant supports ongoing research to reduce HIV transmission, keep people with HIV healthy, and address multiple health conditions that occur with HIV and substance use. By studying patterns of drug use, infections like hepatitis C, aging-related health needs, and access to care, researchers aim to inform more holistic, person‑centered HIV care. The approach combines community-based observation with health services insights to guide better prevention and treatment strategies for PWID. The work focuses on whole-person health, quality of life, and practical improvements in care delivery for this high‑risk population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to reduced HIV transmission, better management of HIV and co‑occurring conditions, and healthier, longer lives for people who inject drugs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous ALIVE research has yielded important insights into HIV transmission and care among PWID, with ongoing work building on those findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehta, Shruti H — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Mehta, Shruti H
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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.