HIV Clinical Trials

Most HIV treatment trials do not require stopping your current medication. Many studies test new drugs as alternatives or additions to standard ART. A small number of cure-research trials involve closely monitored treatment interruptions, but these are conducted under strict safety protocols with frequent viral load testing and clear criteria for restarting medication.

Yes, many trials specifically enroll people who are virally suppressed on their current regimen. Treatment simplification trials, long-acting injectable studies, and cure research often require an undetectable viral load as an entry criterion. Having a stable and suppressed viral load can actually make you eligible for a wider range of studies.

Yes. PrEP trials and HIV vaccine trials specifically enroll HIV-negative individuals who may be at risk of acquiring HIV. These studies test new prevention methods such as long-acting injectables, implants, or vaccine candidates. Participants receive regular HIV testing and are provided with standard prevention counseling throughout the study.

Yes. Clinical trials are bound by strict federal privacy regulations (HIPAA) and additional research confidentiality protections. Your HIV status and all study-related health information are stored using coded identifiers rather than your name. Research staff are trained in confidentiality procedures and cannot share your information without your explicit consent.

No. Participating in a trial will not affect your ability to access your current HIV medications. If the trial ends or you withdraw, you will be transitioned back to your standard ART regimen. Many trials also have provisions to continue providing the study drug if it proves effective until it becomes commercially available.