Back Next-generation products for prevention of HIV infection in women (Project NIX HIV)

CONRAD, supported by PEPFAR through USAID, initiated the “Next-generation products for prevention of HIV infection in women (Project NIX HIV)” program in July 2017. The objective of Project NIX HIV is to develop novel long-acting systemic HIV prevention products that are less user-dependent, substantially facilitate adherence, are safe, effective, and easy to administer, and fit into the lifestyles of women, especially young women in sub-Saharan Africa, at high risk for HIV infection. With the ultimate goal of improving population level uptake of and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) by expanding method choice, we aim to reach clinical proof-of-concept (POC) for one new long-acting PrEP product (subdermal implant) and preclinical and feasibility POC for new pipeline leads (in a technology innovation incubator), within the timeframe of this award by leveraging already acquired know-how, and innovative, end-user research inspired technologies currently in development by CONRAD and its collaborators. We also aim to fill critical gaps in the implementation of field-ready objective adherence measures and will engage with partners in South Africa and Zimbabwe to expand and strengthen in-country research capacity and facilitate implementation of HIV prevention products.