Quick urine test to check HIV medication levels and help keep viral load low
Randomized Trial to Optimize Virologic Suppression Rates Using a Point-of-Care Urine Monitoring Assay (ROVING-PUMA)
This project uses a rapid urine test that measures levels of the HIV drug tenofovir and gives real-time feedback to adults on ART to help them stay virally suppressed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250046 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would provide small urine samples that are tested on the spot for the HIV drug tenofovir using a new antibody-based assay. Some participants will get immediate drug-level feedback and supportive counseling, while others receive standard care. The trial compares how well people in each group keep their HIV viral load suppressed over time. The team will track adherence and viral suppression outcomes at participating clinics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV who are taking a tenofovir-containing antiretroviral regimen and who can provide urine samples at participating clinics are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People not on tenofovir-containing regimens, children below the study age limits, those unwilling to provide urine samples, or people already stably suppressed on ART may have little to gain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve medication-taking and raise the number of people who achieve and maintain HIV viral suppression.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work using drug-level monitoring in hair or blood and giving patients real-time feedback has improved adherence, and early pilot work with this urine immunoassay by the team shows promise though large randomized evidence is limited.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gandhi, Monica — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Gandhi, Monica
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.