Understanding how early HIV treatment affects infants exposed in the womb
Official title: Virologic Determinants of Very Early Antiretroviral Treatment Responses of Infants with in utero HIV-1
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11144062 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how starting HIV treatment very early can help babies who were exposed to the virus before birth, and it aims to find out what helps some of these babies control the virus better without needing ongoing treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 16, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $232,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD118590-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11144062 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include infants who were exposed to HIV-1 in utero and are starting antiretroviral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infants or who were not exposed to HIV-1 in utero may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of very early antiretroviral therapy (ART) on infants who were exposed to HIV-1 in utero. By analyzing biological samples from participants in a previous clinical trial, the study aims to identify factors that contribute to long-term control of the virus without ongoing treatment. The researchers will examine viral load, HIV-1 DNA levels, and differences based on biological sex to better understand how these elements influence treatment outcomes. This approach combines laboratory assays with clinical data to uncover the virologic determinants of successful ART responses in neonates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that allow some infants to control HIV-1 without the need for lifelong antiretroviral therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with early ART in neonates, indicating potential for significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Persaud, Deborah — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Persaud, Deborah
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.