Exploring how substance use and inflammation affect HIV through hair analysis
Official title: Unraveling the intersection of substance use, inflammation, and HIV via hair levels
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11087706 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using certain substances affects inflammation and HIV treatment by testing hair samples, which gives a more accurate picture than just asking people about their substance use, and it’s designed for anyone living with HIV who wants to understand how these factors might impact their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $752,599 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059291-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087706 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV who also engage in substance use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use substances or are not living with HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between substance use, inflammation, and HIV by analyzing hair samples to objectively measure substance levels. It aims to overcome the limitations of self-reported data, which can be biased or inaccurate, especially in individuals using memory-altering substances. By developing quantitative metrics for multiple substances, the study seeks to understand their impact on HIV treatment adherence and inflammation. This innovative approach could provide valuable insights into the complex interactions between substance use and HIV outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved monitoring of substance use in HIV patients, enhancing treatment adherence and health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully utilized hair analysis for monitoring adherence to HIV treatment, indicating a promising approach for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gandhi, Monica — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Gandhi, Monica
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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.