RNA-based test to measure hidden HIV reservoirs in people living with HIV
Official title: Sequence-based RNA Fluorescence Assay to Measure Latent HIV Reservoirs
Funded at Jan Biotech, INC. · NIH-11398110 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new RNA-based test called HIVLatentDetect could quickly and accurately measure invisible HIV reservoirs in people on ART, helping tailor treatment decisions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jan Biotech, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $998,781 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI155075-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11398110 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults living with HIV who are on effective antiretroviral therapy and have suppressed viral loads.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not living with HIV or not on antiretroviral therapy with uncontrolled viremia.
What this research studies
This project develops a nonezymatic chemical assay that directly detects HIV RNA in patient samples, aiming to provide a fast and sensitive measure of latent virus even when standard tests fail. It focuses on individuals living with HIV who are fully suppressed on antiretroviral therapy, and it seeks to improve our understanding of how much latent virus remains. By linking assay results to time-to-rebound data from ACTG studies, the work aims to guide strategies for achieving durable remission or cure. The approach could translate into a practical clinical tool that informs whether treatment interruptions or new therapies might be appropriate.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from better monitoring of latent HIV and more informed treatment decisions that move toward durable viral remission.
How similar studies have gone: Previous biomarker approaches have had mixed success; this project reports strong predictive value in a related ACTG cohort, indicating potential for real-world impact.
Where this research is happening
-
Jan Biotech, INC.
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huie, Janet L — Jan Biotech, INC.
- Study coordinator: Huie, Janet L
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.