Exploring how to help newly diagnosed HIV-positive men maintain low viral loads.
Official title: Understanding Viral Suppression for Newly Diagnosed HIV+ Men to Inform Implementation of TasP and U=U
Funded at Whitman-Walker Institute, INC. · NIH-11046508 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the challenges that gay and bisexual men in the U.S. face after being newly diagnosed with HIV, to help find better ways to support them in keeping their viral load low and preventing the spread of the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Whitman-Walker Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | March 24, 2020 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,032,577 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI150502-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046508 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are gay and bisexual men who have recently been diagnosed with HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not newly diagnosed with HIV or who do not identify as gay or bisexual men may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the challenges faced by gay and bisexual men in the U.S. who are newly diagnosed with HIV. It aims to identify the structural, psychosocial, and behavioral factors that affect their ability to maintain viral load suppression, which is crucial for preventing the transmission of HIV. The study employs a Social Ecological Model to explore these factors and the implementation of effective messaging strategies like Treatment as Prevention (TasP) and Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U). By examining these elements, the research seeks to inform better early intervention strategies for this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and reduced HIV transmission rates among newly diagnosed men.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in addressing similar implementation barriers and improving health outcomes for HIV-positive populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Whitman-Walker Institute, INC.
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rendina, H. Jonathon — Whitman-Walker Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Rendina, H. Jonathon
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.