Superiority of On-demand PrEP Versus PEP on Using Doxycycline for Preventing STI in MSM

Launched by CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · Dec 18, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effectiveness of a medication called doxycycline in preventing bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis among men who have sex with men (MSM). The trial aims to find out if taking doxycycline before potential exposure to STIs (called on-demand pre-exposure prophylaxis or DoxyODPrEP) is better than taking it after exposure (called post-exposure prophylaxis or DoxyPEP). Researchers also want to ensure that both methods are safe and see how well the MSM community accepts using doxycycline for prevention.

To participate, men aged 18 and older who have had sex with another man in the past six months and live in Hong Kong may be eligible. Participants need to be able to understand and communicate in Chinese or English and agree to attend regular clinic visits for two years. During the study, participants will take doxycycline based on which group they are assigned to and will be monitored for STIs. It’s important to note that individuals allergic to doxycycline or currently taking certain medications may not qualify for the trial.

Gender

MALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • has had sex with another male in the past six months
• • normally reside in Hong Kong
• • can communicate in written and spoken Chinese or English
• • willing and able to give written informed consent
• • being willing and able to attend scheduled study clinic visits
• • at risk of STI (had condomless sex with more than one man in the past 12 months, history of STI diagnosis in the past 12 months, inclination to have condomless sex, and other HIV-PrEP-eligible criteria)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Being allergic to tetracycline class medicines
• • Currently taking medications that are contraindicated with doxycycline
• • Using antibiotics for more than 14 days in the month preceding enrolment