HIV Prevention Research Study
Researchers at Columbia University are conducting a study on healthy women to learn more about preventing HIV.

Fast Facts

Cisgender Women Ages 18+

Have been sexually active with a man (condomless) in the last 12 months

HIV Negative

Compensation Provided

Conducted in NYC
Study Background
Researchers at Columbia University are studying HIV prevention in women: They are researching the study drug, which is an injection, Lenacapavir (LEN), that lasts for six months, or F/TDF, also known as Truvada, a daily oral pill that is approved for HIV prevention. The goal is to see how LEN works in the body, study the safety of LEN and Truvada, and study participants’ preferences around taking LEN and Truvada.
This study, known as HPTN 102/PURPOSE 3, is evaluating the preferences of women regarding the injection of an investigational medication Lenacapavir (LEN) and the daily oral pill F/TDF (Truvada). The goal is to see which method women prefer, the safety of LEN, and how LEN works in the body.
Oral Truvada taken daily can be used to help prevent HIV in women. This study investigates the potential of LEN shots given every 6 months to help prevent HIV.
Participation in the study may help researchers learn more about HIV prevention for women. The findings from this research may contribute to the development of additional strategies for women to protect themselves from HIV.

Study Background
Researchers at Columbia University are studying HIV prevention in women: They are researching the study drug, which is an injection, Lenacapavir (LEN), that lasts for six months, or F/TDF, also known as Truvada, a daily oral pill that is approved for HIV prevention. The goal is to see how LEN works in the body, study the safety of LEN and Truvada, and study participants’ preferences around taking LEN and Truvada.

This study, known as HPTN 102/PURPOSE 3, is evaluating the preferences of women regarding the injection of an investigational medication Lenacapavir (LEN) and the daily oral pill F/TDF (Truvada). The goal is to see which method women prefer, the safety of LEN, and how LEN works in the body.
Oral Truvada taken daily can be used to help prevent HIV in women. This study investigates the potential of LEN shots given every 6 months to help prevent HIV.
Participation in the study may help researchers learn more about HIV prevention for women. The findings from this research may contribute to the development of additional strategies for women to protect themselves from HIV.
Additional Information
This study, known as HPTN 102/PURPOSE 3, is evaluating the preferences of HIV prevention in women: the injection of an investigational medication Lenacapavir (LEN), that lasts for six months, or F/TDF, also known as Truvada, a daily oral pill that is approved for HIV prevention. The goal is to see how LEN works in the body, study the safety of LEN and Truvada, and study participants’ preference around taking LEN and Truvada.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18+
- Woman (assigned female at birth)
- Have been sexually active with a man (condomless) in the past year
- Do not have HIV
If you choose to participate in this HIV prevention study, here’s what you can expect:
Pre-screening: Initial phone call; we will contact you to provide basic study information and see if you qualify.
Screening: Then you’ll come to the research office to complete a screening visit where we’ll check your health and make sure you’re eligible to join the study. This includes some basic lab tests and questionnaires.
Randomized Treatment: Once you’re enrolled, you’ll be randomly assigned to one of two groups:
- Group 1: Receive a shot every 6 months (Lenacapavir, or LEN)
- Group 2: Take a daily pill (Truvada) for HIV prevention You won’t be able to choose which group you’re in, but both treatments are being studied. At the end of 52 weeks, all participants have the option to receive LEN
Regular Study Visits: Over the next 2.5 years, you’ll visit the study site about 13 times. During these visits, you’ll:
- Receive your study medication (shots or pills)
- Complete some health assessments, questionnaires, and lab tests
- Answer questions about your health, sexual behaviors, and lifestyle
- Receive carfare and compensation for your time
These visits help researchers understand how well the treatment works and how it affects your health.
Regular Study Visits: Over the next 2.5 years, you’ll visit the study site about 13 times. During these visits, you’ll:
- Receive your study medication (shots or pills)
- Complete some health assessments, questionnaires, and lab tests Answer questions about your health, sexual behaviors, and lifestyle
- Receive carfare and compensation for your time
These visits help researchers understand how well the treatment works and how it affects your health.
Participants in the HIV prevention study can earn between 650 and 800 dollars throughout the study (lasting up to 2.5 years). The total amount depends on the number of visits completed, as well as any additional bonuses.
Compensation Breakdown:
- Study visits: Earn up to 800 dollars for study related time and travel.
Additional Benefits:
- Transportation: Roundtrip MetroCards for travel to study visits
- Meals: 10-20 dollar meal vouchers for visits lasting more than 5 hours
- Snacks and drinks: Water, coffee, tea, and juice will be provided at each visit
- Study medications and lab tests: Provided at no cost to participants
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.