Developing new models to study HIV effects on the brain
Official title: SBIR PHASE 1 (NIH/NIMH TOPIC 002 - DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL IN-VITRO AND IN-VIVO MODELS TO SUPPORT NEUROHIV RESEARCH) VALA SCIENCES INC.:1165050 [24-004928]
Funded at Vala Sciences, INC. · NIH-11222476 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV impacts the brain by creating special models that mimic brain cells, which will help researchers test new treatments and find better ways to tackle the brain-related problems caused by HIV, ultimately aiming to improve care for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vala Sciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | September 27, 2024 |
| Project end | September 26, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $50,000 |
| NIH project number | 75N95024C00035-0-9999-1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11222476 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who may be experiencing neurological symptoms or complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or do not have neurological complications related to HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative in-vitro and in-vivo models to better understand how HIV affects the brain. By using human induced pluripotent stem cells, researchers will develop a system that mimics brain cells, allowing them to test the effects of HIV treatments on neurotoxicity and the virus's replication. This approach aims to provide insights into the neurological complications associated with HIV, potentially leading to improved therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from advancements in treatment options that are specifically tailored to address these neurological issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for neurological complications associated with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar in-vitro models to study HIV effects, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Vala Sciences, INC.
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdonough, Patrick M — Vala Sciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Mcdonough, Patrick M
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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.