MATRIX

MATRIX seeks to develop a range of HIV prevention products that are acceptable, affordable, scalable, and deliverable by providing a platform for efficient, benchmark-driven portfolio management. MATRIX brings together organizations engaged with early-stage research and development (R&D) on novel HIV prevention products, investigators, and partners from the United States (US), Kenya, South Africa (SA), and Zimbabwe.

1. To enhance awareness of the evolving HIV prevention landscape and understanding of HIV prevention product development; end-user, SBR and stakeholder engagement findings among MATRIX partners.
2. To establish a “rapid response network” (RRN) and strategically engage stakeholders, including end-users, key influencers, male partners, service providers in research and non-research determined activities to inform and advance emerging HIV prevention products through MATRIX.
3. To engage with Product Developers and identify mechanisms through which D2D may inform ongoing development or modification of product delivery or attributes to enhance acceptability among women and key stakeholders.
4. To conduct a landscape analysis of current SBR to synthesize data on the needs, preferences and product-related behaviors of key end-users and influential stakeholder groups.

MATRIX is focused on addressing the unmet needs of AGYW through the prioritization of products which extend the dosing intervals of proven antiretroviral agents (CAB implant and injectable) and which could thereby reduce participant burden and potentially increase adherence and persistence. MATRIX will advance novel on demand products which do not require use of ARVs (Griffithsin fast dissolving insert) or use of combinations of ARVs which potentially provide several days of protection after a single application (Tenofovir Alafenamide/Elvitegravir FDI). For women who want a monthly product without the use of a ring or injection, the extended-release film is an innovative product poised to provide a month of protection from a single application. The unmet needs of women who desire both contraception and HIV prevention but who want to avoid contraceptive hormones and ARVs, could be fulfilled with the nonhormonal non-ARV ring developed by Oak Crest. The integration of end-user feedback is woven into every component of MATRIX from gaining input on product design, acceptability of the product format and safety and acceptability of the products within the proposed end-user populations.

PZAT is committed to working with the Government of Zimbabwe and various stakeholders focusing on advancing products that address the unmet needs of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), pregnant and breastfeeding women (PBFW), and female sex workers (FSW); and enhancing early R&D capacity in SSA for sustainability in the region.

PZAT is committed to the development of a “rapid response network,” creation of a D2D dashboard, ongoing PD consultations, and a landscape analysis. MATRIX is the first program of its kind which incorporates end-user’s perspective early in product development by providing rapid feedback to ensure that the products being developed will be acceptable for the AGYW in Sub-Saharan Africa.