Two-year refillable implant to prevent HIV
Ultra-long Acting Transcutaneously Refillable Islatravir Nanofluidic Implant for HIV Pre-Exposure
This project is creating a small, refillable implant that quietly delivers HIV-prevention medicine for up to two years to help people at ongoing risk stay protected without daily pills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126596 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would receive a small subcutaneous implant that uses a nanofluidic membrane to release medicine at a steady rate without pumps. The implant is designed to be refilled through the skin with a simple syringe in a clinic, extending protection beyond two years. Because it releases drug steadily, it avoids the peaks and drops seen with injections or pills. The team originally planned to use islatravir but has noted safety concerns and may adapt the implant for other approved antiretrovirals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults at ongoing risk of HIV who want long-acting PrEP and are willing to receive a small implant and periodic clinical refills would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People living with HIV, those allergic or intolerant to the antiretroviral used, or anyone unable or unwilling to have an implant would not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the device could offer discreet, long-lasting HIV prevention that doesn't rely on daily pills or frequent injections.
How similar studies have performed: Long-acting injectable PrEP such as cabotegravir has proven effective, but fully refillable two-year implants are a new approach and remain unproven, and islatravir's long-acting program was halted for safety concerns.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Methodist Hospital Research Institute — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grattoni, Alessandro — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Grattoni, Alessandro
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.