Development of a painless patch for delivering HIV treatment to children

MAPs for Peds: Development of a Microarray Patch for Delivery of Long-Acting Antiretrovirals for Treatment of Pediatric HIV Infection

NIH-funded research Path · NIH-11090370

This study is testing a new kind of bandage that uses tiny needles to deliver long-lasting HIV medicine for kids, making it easier and less painful for them to stick to their treatment at home.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPath NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11090370 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating microarray patches (MAPs) that deliver long-acting antiretroviral medications for the treatment of pediatric HIV infection. These patches are designed to be applied like a bandage, using tiny dissolving needles that painlessly penetrate the skin to release medication. The goal is to improve treatment adherence among children by providing a simple, at-home application that requires minimal time and is more acceptable than traditional injections. The project will involve defining the needs of pediatric patients and optimizing the formulation of the patches for effective drug delivery.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are living with HIV.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 11 years or those who do not have HIV may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more convenient and less painful method for children to receive HIV treatment, improving their health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using microneedle technology for drug delivery, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.