Investigating how different injectable contraceptives affect HIV-1 infection risk in women.
Official title: Biological effects, hormone levels and mechanisms relevant to HIV-1 infection for women randomized to the injectable contraceptives depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate or norethisterone enanthate.
Funded at University of Cape Town · NIH-10815728 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two types of birth control shots might affect the risk of getting HIV-1 in young women in sub-Saharan Africa, so we can better understand their safety and help keep women healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cape Town NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rondebosch, South Africa) |
| Project start | May 11, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $653,530 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI152118-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10815728 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young women in sub-Saharan Africa who are using or considering injectable contraceptives.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not using injectable contraceptives or who are not at risk for HIV-1 infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the biological mechanisms by which injectable contraceptives may influence susceptibility to HIV-1 infection, particularly among young women in sub-Saharan Africa. It compares two commonly used contraceptives: depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) and norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN). The study aims to gather observational data to understand the potential increased risk of HIV-1 associated with these contraceptives, especially given the high prevalence of HIV-1 in this demographic. Participants will be monitored to assess hormone levels and other biological factors that may contribute to infection risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer contraceptive options for women, reducing their risk of HIV-1 infection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated varying risks associated with different injectable contraceptives, suggesting that this research could build on existing findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cape Town
Rondebosch, South Africa Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hapgood, Janet Patricia — University of Cape Town
- Study coordinator: Hapgood, Janet Patricia
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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.