UG3AI176592

Exploring, Predicting, and Intervening on Long-Term Viral Suppression Electronically (EPI-LOVE) - In response to RFA-AI22-024 Limited Interaction Targeted Epidemiology: Viral Suppression (LITE-VS), we propose "Exploring, Predicting, and Intervening on Long-Term Viral Suppression Electronically (EPI-LOVE)" with a cross-cutting, interdisciplinary scientific team with strong expertise in longitudinal cohorts. Our aim is to enroll a large, digitally maintained cohort of people living with HIV (PLWH) in the US who are not adequately virally suppressed (>200 copies/mL), report prior gaps in HIV care engagement, or lack sustained viral suppression (VS).

The cohort will investigate trajectories of HIV care engagement and VS, applying a theoretical approach and analytic strategies that recognize the cyclical nature of retention in HIV care and VS. We will examine the syndemics underlying these outcomes, including substance use, mental health, and barriers to HIV care such as stigma and rural isolation.

Our strategy includes multiple recruitment methods. Firstly, we will utilize social media recruitment in partnership with digital advertising companies, employing unique tools, websites/apps, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based models to optimize outreach and recruitment. Additionally, we will establish a partnership with AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest HIV medical provider in the country.

We aim to enroll a diverse cohort of PLWH, enriched with those living in rural areas, Black individuals, those under 25 years of age, and individuals experiencing substance use challenges. To facilitate participation, we will utilize an evidence-based digital platform called HealthMpowerment (HMP), which has been deployed in 10 studies, including other limited interaction targeted epidemiology (LITE) initiatives. HMP will be used for data collection, real-time analysis, and participant communication. Semi-annual blood specimens will also be collected using a multi-pronged strategy (i.e., local laboratory, clinics, and home-based collection options).

To optimize when PLWH in our cohort are most at risk for viral non-suppression (VNS), we will develop a sophisticated risk assessment tool. Based on their personalized needs at the time they need them most, we will deliver tailored, real-time intervention components.

Our investigative team consists of experts from three leading institutions: the University of California at Los Angeles and Irvine, and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. With decades of experience in recruitment, engagement, and care of PLWH, as well as large-scale longitudinal cohort studies, our team also possesses long-standing expertise in developing digital and AI-based tools in collaboration with HIV stakeholders.

By capitalizing on productive partnerships and expertise, we aim to articulate the drivers of the ongoing HIV epidemic among the most vulnerable populations in the US. Additionally, we strive to identify the most effective, expeditious, and scalable digital strategies to address this ongoing public health crisis.

Los Angeles University Of California

TO ASSIST PUBLIC AND PRIVATE NONPROFIT INSTITUTIONS AND INDIVIDUALS TO ESTABLISH, EXPAND AND IMPROVE BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH AND RESEARCH TRAINING IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND RELATED AREAS, TO CONDUCT DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH, TO PRODUCE AND TEST RESEARCH MATERIALS. TO ASSIST PUBLIC, PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO CONDUCT DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH, TO PRODUCE AND TEST RESEARCH MATERIALS, TO PROVIDE RESEARCH SERVICES AS REQUIRED BY THE AGENCY FOR PROGRAMS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES, AND CONTROLLING DISEASE CAUSED BY INFECTIOUS OR PARASITIC AGENTS, ALLERGIC AND IMMUNOLOGIC DISEASES AND RELATED AREAS. PROJECTS RANGE FROM STUDIES OF MICROBIAL PHYSIOLOGY AND ANTIGENIC STRUCTURE TO COLLABORATIVE TRIALS OF EXPERIMENTAL DRUGS AND VACCINES, MECHANISMS OF RESISTANCE TO ANTIBIOTICS AS WELL AS RESEARCH DEALING WITH EPIDEMIOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS IN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS OR COMMUNITY POPULATIONS AND PROGRESS IN ALLERGIC AND IMMUNOLOGIC DISEASES. BECAUSE OF THIS DUAL FOCUS, THE PROGRAM ENCOMPASSES BOTH BASIC RESEARCH AND CLINICAL RESEARCH. SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) PROGRAM EXPANDS AND IMPROVES PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH. THE SBIR PROGRAM INTENDS TO INCREASE AND FACILITATE PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIALIZATION OF INNOVATIONS DERIVED FROM FEDERAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, TO INCREASE SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION IN FEDERAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, AND TO FOSTER AND ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION OF SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS IN TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION. THE SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (STTR) PROGRAM STIMULATES AND FOSTERS SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION THROUGH COOPERATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CARRIED OUT BETWEEN SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS, TO FOSTER TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER BETWEEN SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS, TO INCREASE PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIALIZATION OF INNOVATIONS DERIVED FROM FEDERAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, AND TO FOSTER AND ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION OF SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS IN TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION. RESEARCH CAREER DEVELOPMENT AWARDS SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENTISTS DURING THE FORMATIVE STAGES OF THEIR CAREERS. INDIVIDUAL NATIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE AWARDS (NRSAS) ARE MADE DIRECTLY TO APPROVE APPLICANTS FOR RESEARCH TRAINING IN SPECIFIED BIOMEDICAL SHORTAGE AREAS. IN ADDITION, INSTITUTIONAL NATIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE AWARDS ARE MADE TO ENABLE INSTITUTIONS TO SELECT AND MAKE AWARDS TO INDIVIDUALS TO RECEIVE TRAINING UNDER THE AEGIS OF THEIR INSTITUTIONAL PROGRAM.

93.855 - Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) [HHS - NIH]

California United States

State-Wide

Limited Interaction Targeted Epidemiology: Viral Suppression (LITE-VS) (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional) (RFA-AI-22-024)

Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 04/30/25 to 08/31/25 and the total obligations have increased 154% from $1,684,576 to $4,274,201.