Quick HIV meds may slash stigma for drug users

NCT ID NCT06541028

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether starting antiretroviral therapy within 7 days of an HIV diagnosis can reduce stigma and improve health outcomes for people who inject drugs. Researchers will develop a rapid-start strategy and pilot it with 135 participants at HIV clinics. The goal is to lower stigma and viral load, making it easier for this group to stay healthy.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

rapid-start antiretroviral therapy (ART) within 7 days of diagnosis

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that starting HIV treatment quickly after diagnosis reduces stigma and improves viral suppression in people who inject drugs.

What could go wrong

This is a small pilot study (135 participants) testing a behavioral strategy, not a new drug. Results may not apply to all clinics or populations, and stigma is complex to change.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HIV are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

AIDS HIV infectious disease substance abuse

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA) - University of Malaya

    ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

    Kuala Lumpur, 50450, Malaysia

  • Kajang Prison

    RECRUITING

    Kajang, 43000, Malaysia

  • Primary Healthcare Centers

    RECRUITING

    Kuala Lumpur, 50450, Malaysia