New NIH Grant: Development of a rapid enzymatic assay for point-of-care HIV drug level feedback — $670K at Unknown Institution
WHY IT MATTERS
This tool could help HIV-positive adolescents and young women in sub-Saharan Africa know whether their medication levels are adequate for treatment and prevention, addressing a critical adherence challenge in a population accounting for one in four new global HIV infections.
Researchers are getting $670,000 to develop a quick test that measures HIV medication levels in the blood. This test would help doctors and patients know if HIV medicines are working well by checking if patients are taking them correctly. The project focuses on helping teenage girls and young women in Africa, where HIV is a major health problem.
Project: Development of a rapid enzymatic assay for point-of-care HIV drug level feedback PI: OLANREWAJU, AYOKUNLE OLUWAFEMI Institution: Unknown Institution Funding: $670K Start Date: 2026-05-07 Abstract: Project Summary/Abstract: Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa account for one in four new HIV infections globally. Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs can prevent and treat HIV, yet non-adherence among AGYW persists as a public health challenge due to biological, economic, and social barriers. High adherence measured via drug levels in biological specimens correlates with HIV treatment and prevention efficacy, and studies demonstrate that providing drug level feedback (DLF) paired with supportive counseling improves outcomes. Furthermore, AGYWs receiving oral or extended relea