Timing of HIV therapy for CrAg+ patients with early meningitis risk
Official title: A randomized trial to evaluate the optimal timing of antiretroviral therapy initiation in persons with early disseminated cryptococcal infection
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11579223 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests when to start antiretroviral therapy for people with HIV who have early signs of cryptococcal infection, aiming to improve survival and care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 19, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $247,291 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AI194900-01A1S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11579223 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with HIV and CrAg+ status with low CrAg titers (<1:80) who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without CrAg positivity or those not eligible for the specific ART timing/duration comparisons.
What this research studies
This project will enroll adults with HIV and cryptococcal antigen in Uganda to compare starting ART immediately versus delaying ART by two weeks in CrAg+ patients with low titers. It will also evaluate how long fluconazole should be given in asymptomatic CrAg+ individuals to balance benefit and exposure. The study uses a sequential randomized design across multiple groups to determine the safest and most effective treatment timing and duration. Results could directly influence international guidelines to streamline HIV care and reduce hospitalizations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could shorten time to effective HIV treatment and optimize antifungal therapy, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Prior trials showed potential benefits of shorter antifungal strategies and prompt ART in related settings, but this exact timing and duration question is being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajasingham, Radha — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Rajasingham, Radha
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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.