NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding how adherence to HIV treatment affects stroke risk in patients

Official title: Antiretroviral therapy adherence and exploratory proteomics in virally suppressed people with HIV and stroke

Funded at Stellenbosch University · NIH-10906988 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how sticking to HIV treatment might affect the risk of having a stroke in people living with HIV who are doing well with their viral load, especially in South Africa, where both HIV and stroke are big health concerns.

More Stroke research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStellenbosch University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stellenbosch, SOUTH AFRICA)
Project startAugust 7, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$138,481
NIH project number5R21TW012384-02
Project IDNIH-10906988 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are currently on antiretroviral therapy and have achieved viral suppression.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not living with HIV or those who are not on antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the risk of stroke in people living with HIV who are virally suppressed. It aims to explore how imperfect adherence to ART may lead to ongoing viral replication, inflammation, and ultimately, an increased risk of non-communicable diseases like stroke. The study will involve collecting biological samples and assessing various health markers to better understand these dynamics. By focusing on patients in South Africa, the research seeks to address a significant health issue in a population that is disproportionately affected by both HIV and stroke.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing HIV treatment adherence, potentially reducing the risk of stroke and other serious health complications for patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a strong link between HIV and increased stroke risk, but this specific focus on adherence as a risk factor is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • Stellenbosch University
    Stellenbosch, South Africa
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Decloedt, Eric Hermann — Stellenbosch University
  • Study coordinator: Decloedt, Eric Hermann

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.