Ending the syphilis epidemic in the US with smarter models
Official title: Translating Evidence into Action: Novel modeling approaches to end the syphilis epidemic in the U.S.
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11397529 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Johns Hopkins team will use advanced computer models to find the most cost-effective ways to reduce syphilis infections in US communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 11, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $782,332 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI179776-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397529 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Clinicians, public health officials, and policy makers in US cities dealing with syphilis outbreaks.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient participation is not described; findings are intended for population-level policy and practice improvements.
What this research studies
This project uses mathematical models to forecast how different prevention and diagnosis strategies could impact syphilis transmission in the United States. It focuses on real-world tools like doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis and new point-of-care tests to see which combinations offer the best results within tight public health budgets. The goal is to help policymakers choose targeted, efficient strategies that could lower new infections in diverse cities. The work builds on data from urban areas where syphilis is most concentrated and aims to translate findings into actionable guidance for health departments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could guide smarter investments that reduce syphilis cases and congenital infections.
How similar studies have gone: Mathematical modeling has helped inform HIV and other STIs, but targeted US syphilis modeling with budget constraints is less explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kasaie, Parastu — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Kasaie, Parastu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Syphilis in Pregnancy: Understanding Infection in Moms and Babies
A study following pregnant women with syphilis and their babies to learn how the infection affects pregnancy and newborn health.
-
Syphilis in Pregnancy: Molecular Tests and Immune Responses in Mom and Baby
A study to understand how syphilis affects pregnancy and newborns by using molecular tests and tracking immune responses in 750 pregnant women with syphilis and their babies.
-
Crowdsourced digital messaging to boost syphilis and HIV testing for women in NYC and rural Alabama
A community-driven project tests whether crowdsourced digital messages can encourage women, especially women of color and Native American women, to get syphilis, HIV, and STI tests.
-
Preventing syphilis in pregnant people in Rio de Janeiro
A clinical trial in Brazil tests a pregnancy-safe antibiotic plan to stop syphilis from affecting babies.
-
Cefixime vs Penicillin G for Early Syphilis in HIV and non-HIV patients
This project compares a cefixime-based treatment to standard penicillin for early syphilis in people with and without HIV.
-
Preventing congenital syphilis in pregnant people at risk in Rio de Janeiro
A clinical trial will test a treatment approach during pregnancy to reduce syphilis transmission from mother to baby for pregnant people at risk in Rio de Janeiro.
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.