Monthly long-acting targeted HIV treatment for children
NextGen Long-acting and targeted combination ART for Children with HIV
A monthly injectable combination HIV medicine designed to help children who have trouble taking daily pills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10810801 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing a long-acting injectable made of tiny drug nanoparticles that hold three HIV medicines together so children would only need monthly injections instead of daily pills. The team uses a nano-platform called DcNPs that produced durable drug levels in animal studies and will be reformulated and tested for safety and drug delivery in children. Work includes laboratory and preclinical testing guided by a milestone plan and oversight from an external advisory board. The aim is a safe, stable, and child-appropriate monthly injectable that targets two HIV proteins.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children living with HIV—infants, toddlers, and school-age kids—who struggle with daily pills or pill fatigue would be ideal candidates for this approach.
Not a fit: Children who already maintain viral control on oral therapy, those with allergies or contraindications to the drugs used, or adults outside the pediatric age range may not benefit from this pediatric-focused approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could let children with HIV receive effective treatment with monthly injections, reducing missed doses and challenges with swallowing or daily adherence.
How similar studies have performed: Related DcNP long-acting combinations produced sustained drug levels in nonhuman primates and similar long-acting platforms are being advanced for adults, but monthly combination injectables specifically formulated for children remain novel.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ho, Rodney J.y. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Ho, Rodney J.y.
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.