# PrEP and MOUD Rapid Access for Persons who Inject Drugs: the CHORUS+ Study

> **NIH NIH R01** · BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER · 2024 · $1,209,970

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
The US opioid overdose epidemic has been accompanied by an increase in human immunodeficiency (HIV)
among persons who inject drugs. The co-occurrence of HIV and opioid use disorder (OUD) suggests that a
comprehensive approach to OUD and its infectious complications has the potential to improve outcomes. HIV
pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are evidence-based
approaches that are recommended for persons who inject drugs. Unfortunately, these measures have not
been widely adopted in real-world settings or accessed by persons at-risk. Foundation for the Proposal: The
CHORUS intervention (Comprehensive HIV and Opioid use disorder Response to the Unaddressed Syndemic)
is informed by preliminary research, including: (a) quantitative and qualitative research with persons with
substance use disorder, (b) a randomized controlled trial of a peer-delivered motivational intervention
demonstrating effectiveness in reducing heroin and/or cocaine use, and (c) preliminary studies demonstrating
the feasibility and acceptability of peer-delivered motivational interventions in non-traditional settings. During
the CHORUS pilot phase, we uncovered that PrEP was initiated late in the intervention. Therefore, we are
attempting to accelerate PrEP initiation by providing HIV self-testing (CHORUS +) at baseline. The CHORUS+
intervention includes HIV self-testing, rapid initiation of PrEP and MOUD, and a 6-month peer recovery coach
to support adherence to these medications. Conceptual Model: CHORUS+ is a theory-based, peer-delivered,
mobile phone-supported intervention focused on enhancing uptake and adherence to HIV PrEP (primary
outcome), and receipt of MOUD (secondary outcome) among persons who inject opioids. CHORUS+ aims to
improve behavioral skills and self-efficacy while addressing structural barriers. Summary: The current proposal
seeks to determine the efficacy of a novel intervention to increase the uptake of evidence-based measures to
prevent HIV and treat opioid use disorder. We will compare the CHORUS+ intervention to usual care (passive
referral) among persons who inject opioids (aim 1). In addition, we will examine study implementation to
facilitate potential future dissemination using a mixed-methods process evaluation of CHORUS+ (aim 2). The
study will be performed at Boston Medical Center’s Faster Paths clinic, a low-barrier substance use disorder
bridge clinic, and through Victory Programs, which utilizes a mobile outreach van. The proposed intervention
will recruit from non-traditional settings in order to reach participants who might not be comfortable in office-
based clinics. This project specifically addresses NIDA’s mission of developing effective socio-behavioral
interventions to increase uptake of HIV prevention strategies, and accelerating the adoption of evidence-based
interventions to address substance use and its infectious complications.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10917121
- **Project number:** 5R01DA058367-02
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Sabrina A Assoumou
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $1,209,970
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-01 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10917121

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10917121, PrEP and MOUD Rapid Access for Persons who Inject Drugs: the CHORUS+ Study (5R01DA058367-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10917121. Licensed CC0.

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