HIV Prevention Research Study
Researchers at Cone Health RCID Research are conducting a study with young adults to better understand how to prevent HIV and evaluate new options that may make HIV prevention easier and more effective.
Fast Facts
Have Had Condomless Receptive Anal Sex in the Past 12 months
18-24
Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in
Greensboro, NC
Study Background
Researchers at Cone Health RCID Research are conducting studies in young adults to better understand HIV prevention, the factors that increase HIV risk, and whether new medications can improve protection.
HIV risk is influenced by many factors, including sexual behaviors, access to prevention tools, social and structural conditions, and how consistently people are able to use existing HIV prevention methods like daily PrEP. For some individuals, taking a medication every day can be challenging, which may reduce protection. We aim to learn whether a new once-monthly oral medication can provide an easier and more effective option for preventing HIV. We also want to better understand the experiences, health needs, and prevention behaviors of young adults so we can develop strategies that support long-term HIV protection.
Eventually, the findings of this study may help expand HIV prevention options, improve accessibility and convenience, and reduce new HIV infections in communities.
Study Background
Researchers at Cone Health RCID Research are conducting studies in young adults to better understand HIV prevention, the factors that increase HIV risk, and whether new medications can improve protection.
HIV risk is influenced by many factors, including sexual behaviors, access to prevention tools, social and structural conditions, and how consistently people are able to use existing HIV prevention methods like daily PrEP. For some individuals, taking a medication every day can be challenging, which may reduce protection. We aim to learn whether a new once-monthly oral medication can provide an easier and more effective option for preventing HIV. We also want to better understand the experiences, health needs, and prevention behaviors of young adults so we can develop strategies that support long-term HIV protection.
Eventually, the findings of this study may help expand HIV prevention options, improve accessibility and convenience, and reduce new HIV infections in communities.
Additional Information
This study aims to understand the factors that shape HIV risk in young adults and to evaluate whether a once-monthly oral medication can make HIV prevention easier and more effective than daily PrEP. We will track health and behavioral factors over time, including HIV and STI testing and participants’ experiences with prevention medication, to learn how prevention habits differ and what may support better long-term protection.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18-24
- Identify as a cisgender man, transgender woman, transgender man, or gender nonbinary individual
- Have had condomless receptive anal sex in the past 12 months
- Have had 2 or more receptive anal sex partners in the past 3 months, or rectal/urethral gonorrhea or chlamydia, or incident syphilis in the last 6 months, or stimulant drug use with sex in the last 3 months
- Willing and able to attend monthly in-person visits for the study duration
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of use of long-acting HIV prevention products (e.g., cabotegravir or lenacapavir)
- Received an HIV vaccine or monoclonal antibodies to HIV in the past 12 months
- Currently participating in another interventional study
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
The entire study lasts up to 30 months. Once enrolled, participation involves:
In the clinic: Monthly visits where you will receive study medication (either the new monthly pill MK-8527 or the daily HIV prevention pill FTC/TDF), complete HIV testing, and have labs collected. You will also answer questions about your health, sexual activity, and experiences. Some visits may include physical exams or STI testing. All study visits are conducted in person at a private clinic.
From home: Participants may be asked to complete brief questionnaires about their experiences or health between visits. These will take only a few minutes and are designed to help researchers better understand HIV prevention behaviors.- Snack
Compensation will be provided for your time, as well as:
- Free blood work with access to your results throughout the study
- Snacks provided on lab days
- 24/7 nurse line available to answer any study-related questions
- Transportation (Uber or Lyft) can be arranged to help you attend visits
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.