Optimizing HIV prevention for people who inject drugs on PrEP
Official title: Optimizing evidence-based HIV prevention targeting people who inject drugs on PrEP
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-11360730 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to help people who inject drugs and are starting MOUD use improved HIV prevention info and PrEP adherence through targeted support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $876,001 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA055534-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11360730 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who inject drugs and are newly enrolled on MOUD who have cognitive dysfunction or may benefit from cognitive-support components.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without cognitive challenges or those not on MOUD may derive less benefit from these specific components.
What this research studies
This project uses a structured optimization approach to test four cognitive-support components—Attention, Executive Functioning, Memory, and Information Processing—to help PWID on MOUD better understand and use HIV prevention content and adhere to PrEP. The team will conduct an optimization trial over five years to identify which components or combinations work best for improving PrEP adherence and reducing HIV risk. It specifically addresses cognitive dysfunction, a common challenge in PWID, to make interventions more effective and accessible. Participants will be adults who inject drugs and are newly enrolled on MOUD, with outcomes focused on PrEP use and HIV risk behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could lead to stronger PrEP adherence and lower HIV risk among PWID starting MOUD.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests cognitive-support–enhanced interventions can improve health behaviors in similar populations, but this project addresses a gap by tailoring to PWID with cognitive dysfunction.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Storrs
Storrs-Mansfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Copenhaver, Michael — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Copenhaver, Michael
Related research
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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.