Skin-delivered combination HIV medicine designed for children
Ionic liquid-based nanoemulsion containing combination antiretroviral drugs forthe transdermal treatment of pediatric HIV infection
A skin-applied formulation that slowly releases combination HIV drugs to make treatment easier for infants, children, and teens.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163529 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is creating a transdermal nanoemulsion using ionic liquids to carry two antiretroviral drugs across the skin for pediatric use. The team aims to make a room-temperature-stable, non-invasive formulation that can be self-applied and reduce the need for pills or liquids. Work will focus on selecting drug combinations and formulation ingredients that penetrate the skin and remain stable, using laboratory and preclinical testing. If these steps succeed, the approach could move toward clinical testing in children and adolescents.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children and adolescents living with HIV who have difficulty with oral pills or liquid formulations and whose care teams are exploring alternative delivery methods.
Not a fit: Patients whose required antiretroviral drugs cannot be adapted for skin delivery, those with damaged or irritated skin, or those with allergies to formulation components may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reduce pill burden and improve adherence by offering a long-lasting, easy-to-use skin option for pediatric HIV treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Long-acting injectable HIV medicines have been successful in adults and older adolescents, but transdermal delivery for second-generation antiretrovirals in children is novel and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Date, Abhijit a — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Date, Abhijit a
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.