A drug approach to lock HIV into a deep, long-lasting sleep
Evaluation of didehydro-Cortistatin A as a block-and-lock agent for a functional HIV cure in a macaque model
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11166331
This project aims to keep HIV switched off long-term using a compound called didehydro‑Cortistatin A so people living with HIV might avoid viral rebound after stopping treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11166331 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You are shown a strategy called 'block-and-lock' that tries to force HIV into deep silence so it cannot restart even if treatment stops. Researchers are testing a compound named didehydro‑Cortistatin A in macaque (monkey) models that mimic human HIV infection to see if the drug can epigenetically silence the virus. The team gives the compound alongside standard antiretroviral therapy and then examines blood and tissue for viral activity, inflammation, and immune recovery. Findings will guide whether this approach could move toward human testing to reduce viral rebound and chronic immune activation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are on stable, suppressive antiretroviral therapy would be the most relevant candidates for this approach.
Not a fit: Individuals with uncontrolled HIV, recent opportunistic infections, or who cannot take ART are unlikely to benefit from this preclinical approach in its current form.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could allow long-term control of HIV without continuous antiretroviral therapy, lowering chronic inflammation and reducing HIV-related health problems.
How similar studies have performed: Related 'block-and-lock' work and earlier lab and animal studies of didehydro‑Cortistatin A have shown promising suppression of viral transcription but have not yet delivered a proven cure in people.
Where this research is happening
GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA — GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VALENTE, SUSANA T — UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: VALENTE, SUSANA T
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus