CAB-LA and Hormones: How Biology Affects HIV Prevention Medicine

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project explores how hormones influence the way cabotegravir behaves in the body when used as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Researchers will use population PK modeling to study differences by sex, BMI, and injection site factors, aiming to understand why drug levels may vary between people. The goal is to ensure CAB-LA provides strong protection for diverse populations by uncovering hormone-related effects on drug absorption and persistence. The work builds on prior findings from HPTN 077 showing sex-based differences in drug behavior. The study is conducted at Johns Hopkins University and will analyze pharmacokinetic data to inform better dosing strategies.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Johns Hopkins University
  Baltimore, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Marzinke, Mark a — Johns Hopkins University
• Study coordinator: Marzinke, Mark a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• How hormones affect long‑acting cabotegravir for HIV prevention

  This project looks at how natural and taken hormones change how the long‑acting HIV prevention injection cabotegravir behaves in the body for people at risk of HIV.

  NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11159781

• Investigating the effects of hormone therapy on HIV prevention in transgender individuals

  This study is looking at how estrogen hormone therapy affects the way the HIV prevention pill cabotegravir works in transgender women and gender diverse people, so we can make sure they can safely use this medication while on hormone therapy.

  NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11002040

• Harnessing male peer networks to boost HIV testing and PrEP use

  A large clinical trial in South Africa tests whether giving HIV self-test kits through male peer networks, with phone support, increases PrEP uptake among men.

  NIH research Stellenbosch University · Stellenbosch, SOUTH AFRICA · NIH-11621079

• Harnessing men's peer networks to boost HIV self-testing and PrEP use

  A large project in South Africa tests whether giving HIV self-test kits through men’s social networks, with phone support, can lead to more men starting PrEP and using HIV testing.

  NIH research Stellenbosch University · Stellenbosch, SOUTH AFRICA · NIH-11621078

• TB PrEP: Bringing HIV prevention to households affected by TB in Uganda

  Aims to help people in households with TB in Uganda access HIV PrEP as part of a combined prevention approach.

  NIH research University of Washington · Seattle, United States · NIH-11590744

• How choosing PrEP products could improve HIV protection for young women in Kenya

  This project looks at which HIV-prevention options young Kenyan women prefer and how choosing a product affects how well they stay protected.

  NIH research University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham, United States · NIH-11572510

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.