Improving HIV treatment and retention for people who inject drugs
PWID Opportunities to Improve TrEat and Retain (POINTER)
This program tests combining same-day HIV treatment, community-based care, and personal support to help people who inject drugs start and stay on HIV medication.
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 ID | NIH-11378866 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You may be reached through community networks to find people who inject drugs who are HIV-positive or out of care. The project randomly assigns people to receive same-day antiretroviral therapy (ART), community-based clinical care, and/or psychosocial navigation support in different combinations. By comparing these groups, the team will learn which single or combined approaches help people start treatment quickly and stay on it. The goal is to improve retention in care and viral suppression among people who inject drugs in affected regions of India.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who inject drugs in the trial locations who are HIV-positive, including those unaware of their diagnosis or currently out of care, are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People who are HIV-negative, do not inject drugs, or live outside the trial regions in India are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help more people who inject drugs begin HIV treatment right away and remain on therapy, lowering illness and transmission risk.
How similar studies have performed: Components like same-day ART and community-based support have improved outcomes in other HIV programs, but combining these approaches specifically for people who inject drugs in India is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lucas, Gregory M — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Lucas, Gregory M
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 below.