NIH-funded research R01 grant

Peer-driven behavioral support to boost long-acting PrEP/ART adherence for people at risk of HIV

Official title: Peer Behavioral Activation Utilization to Improve Substance Use and HIV Outcomes in People Receiving Long Acting Injectable-PrEP/ART (PUSH).”

Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11378199 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A team at the University of Maryland Baltimore is testing a peer-delivered program to help people who use drugs stay adherent to long-acting PrEP/ART to reduce HIV risk and improve viral suppression.

More Substance Use research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Maryland Baltimore
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endMay 31, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$598,161
NIH project number5R01DA061324-03
Project IDNIH-11378199 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults who use drugs and are receiving long-acting injectable PrEP/ART

Less likely to help

People who are not using LAI PrEP/ART or who do not engage with peer-delivered interventions may see limited benefit.

What this research studies

This project uses Peer Activate, a peer-supported behavioral activation and problem-solving program, to help individuals adhere to LAI PrEP/ART. The plan includes training peers to deliver structured activities and problem-solving strategies that support daily adherence and substance-free engagement. The study builds on prior work showing LAI PrEP/ART feasibility in community settings and aims to evaluate feasibility and acceptability in the LAI context. The patient-facing approach seeks to translate behavioral support into real-world adherence improvements and better health outcomes for people with HIV risk or infection who use drugs.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help people stay adherent to LAI PrEP/ART, reducing HIV risk and improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Prior evidence shows Peer Activate is feasible and acceptable; this study tests it specifically with LAI PrEP/ART in a real-world setting.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Maryland Baltimore
    Baltimore, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Rosenthal, Elana Simon — University of Maryland Baltimore
  • Study coordinator: Rosenthal, Elana Simon

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.