MISTR, the largest LGBTQ+ sexual health platform in the U.S., reports a significant 50% drop in STI positivity rates among its patients after one year of providing free DoxyPEP. This milestone coincides with STI Awareness Week and demonstrates the efficacy of combining DoxyPEP with PrEP prescriptions, a practice now requested by over 74% of MISTR patients. The platform serves over 500,000 patients nationwide, offering free online PrEP, DoxyPEP, HIV care, and STI testing in both English and Spanish via telehealth.
This success holds substantial implications for public health, particularly for addressing disparities in STI and HIV rates among underserved communities. MISTR’s model demonstrates that accessible, stigma-free care can significantly improve health outcomes, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, and specifically among Black and Latino populations. Their approach directly contributes to national public health initiatives like the Ending the HIV Epidemic program and aligns with CDC Priority Jurisdictions. The substantial increase in DoxyPEP adoption further highlights a latent demand for accessible preventative care.
MISTR’s patient base encompasses all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, with 18% of users identifying as Black, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in reaching high-need populations. This broad reach is achieved through telehealth and strategic partnerships with over 65 nonprofit organizations, facilitating care for uninsured individuals. The platform’s focus on removing barriers like stigma, complex paperwork, and inaccessible physical locations has proven crucial to driving adoption.
MISTR’s proactive approach to integrating new prevention methods, such as long-acting injectable PrEP, positions them to further enhance their impact on sexual health outcomes. This forward-thinking strategy, combined with their community-focused approach, indicates MISTR’s potential to reshape the landscape of STI and HIV prevention by making proactive care more accessible and convenient for those who need it most.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
