UGMC Receives NIH Grant to Advance HIV Research in Ghana

The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has secured a prestigious research grant of $153,912 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to support a novel study titled "Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacogenomics of Dolutegravir-Based Antiretroviral Therapy in Young People Living with HIV in Ghana (PHARMA-YOUNG-HIV)."

 

Under the leadership of Principal Investigator Dr. Nicholas Ekow Thomford, the project aims to explore how young people living with HIV in Ghana respond to Dolutegravir-based treatments, focusing on the genetic and pharmacological factors that influence drug effectiveness. The findings will be critical in tailoring HIV therapies to optimize outcomes for this vulnerable population.

 

The project is set to run from August 16, 2024, to July 31, 2026, with key research activities planned at University of Cape Coast (UCC) and affiliated institutions. By investigating the pharmacogenomics and pharmacokinetics of antiretroviral therapies, the study aims to address significant gaps in personalized HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa.

 

This new partnership with the NIH not only highlights UGMC’s growing research capacity but also underscores its commitment to improving health outcomes for people living with HIV through cutting-edge science. Dr. Nana Adwoa Konadu Dsane, Deputy Director for Research at UGMC, expressed enthusiasm about the award, emphasizing that the research will offer valuable insights into the long-term management of HIV among young people.

 

The award reinforces UGMC’s role in infectious diseases research and reflects the NIH’s commitment to supporting impactful projects in global health.