NCT06886971 · Johns Hopkins University
Strategies to AchieVe Viral Suppression for Youth With HIV
(SAVVY)
What this study is about
Although there have been advances in antiretroviral treatment (ART) for HIV, adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AHIV) continue to have disparate HIV outcomes particularly viral suppression (VS), when compared to other populations likely related to multi-layered challenges (social determinants, cognitive development), system, and biomedical challenges including the reliance on taken by mouth ART as the only choice for HIV treatment. Given that approximately 1/3 of AHIV despite being in care fail to attain or sustain VS with resultant individual and public health risk, there is a need to develop real-world implementable interventions that can improve the participants virologic outcomes. The Strategies to AchieVe Viral Suppression for Youth with HIV (SAVVY) Study aims to 1) optimize personal ART choice by using the HIV-ASSIST clinical program to inform CHOICE counseling regarding an AHIV's preferred approach, including the possibility of long-acting injectable ART (LAI-ART); 2) facilitate access to the participants preferred choice through deploying a focused team to navigate barriers to attaining LAI-ART; and 3) decipher and address the patient, provider, and systemic barriers to the uptake and routinization of LAI-ART among AHIV by applying an implementation science framework and assessing cost-effectiveness providing critical data to support comprehensive approaches to optimizing ART and VS for AHIV, a key population identified in the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States Initiative.
View original scientific description
Although there have been advances in antiretroviral treatment (ART) for HIV, adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AHIV) continue to have disparate HIV outcomes particularly viral suppression (VS), when compared to other populations likely related to multi-layered challenges (social determinants, cognitive development), system, and biomedical challenges including the reliance on oral ART as the only choice for HIV treatment. Given that approximately 1/3 of AHIV despite being in care fail to attain or sustain VS with resultant individual and public health risk, there is a need to develop real-world implementable interventions that can improve the participants virologic outcomes. The Strategies to AchieVe Viral Suppression for Youth with HIV (SAVVY) Study aims to 1) optimize personal ART choice by using the HIV-ASSIST clinical program to inform CHOICE counseling regarding an AHIV's preferred approach, including the possibility of long-acting injectable ART (LAI-ART); 2) facilitate access to the participants preferred choice through deploying a focused team to navigate barriers to attaining LAI-ART; and 3) decipher and address the patient, provider, and systemic barriers to the uptake and routinization of LAI-ART among AHIV by applying an implementation science framework and assessing cost-effectiveness providing critical data to support comprehensive approaches to optimizing ART and VS for AHIV, a key population identified in the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States Initiative.
Interventions
OTHER
The SAVVY intervention includes CHOICE counseling and shared decision-making regarding ART preference (informed by the evidence-based HIV-ASSIST) and facilitating LA-ART access
The SAVVY intervention includes CHOICE counseling and shared decision-making regarding ART preference (informed by the evidence-based HIV-ASSIST) and facilitating LA-ART access to that choice through the deployment of the SLAT team. HIV-ASSIST is an interactive tool that offers clinicians comprehensive, individualized validated patient-specific ARV decision support along with evidence-based supporting educational material. The free online, interactive tool is designed to augment interpretation of current HIV clinical practice guidelines (CPG).It will be included in the CHOICE counseling providing participants with patient-centered approach, specifically addresses the patient's expressed needs, problems, issues and concerns with a goal of providing accurate and unbiased information on available choices. After CHOICE counseling, if the participant chooses LAI-ART, the participant is referred to the SAVVY LAI-ART access team (SLAT) to facilitate access.
Primary outcome measures
Number of participants who reach viral suppression
Time frame: 12 months
Viral suppression (VL\<20 copies/mL)
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- prescribed ART,
- willing to sign informed consent (including communication with one's primary HIV provider)
Exclusion criteria
- Relevant drug resistance mutations (per medical record) that compromises activity of Cabotegravir (CBG) + rilpivirine (RPV)
- disallowed medications,
- Mental health, cognitive, or behavioral dysfunction that in the opinion of the site PI would impair participation;
- severe illness/hospitalization at the time of enrollment,
- plan to move away in the next 12 months.
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
Collaborators
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 4, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations