Developing new treatments to overcome HIV drug resistance

Investigation of ATV-Based Heterobifunctional Degraders to Combat Growing HIV-1 PR Inhibitor Resistance

NIH-funded research University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa · NIH-10676954

This study is exploring new ways to help people with HIV-1 who haven't responded to regular treatments by using special drugs that can target and break down the virus, making it easier to manage their condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama in Tuscaloosa NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tuscaloosa, United States)
Project IDNIH-10676954 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating innovative therapies using heterobifunctional targeted protein degraders (TPDs) to combat HIV-1, particularly in cases where traditional treatments have failed due to drug resistance. The approach involves modifying existing antiviral drugs, like Atazanavir, to enhance their effectiveness by targeting and degrading the HIV-1 protease, which is crucial for the virus's ability to replicate. By employing a unique mechanism that promotes the degradation of viral proteins, this research aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients with resistant strains of HIV.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV who have experienced treatment failure due to resistance to existing protease inhibitors.

Not a fit: Patients who are newly diagnosed with HIV and have not yet undergone treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with HIV who have developed resistance to current antiviral therapies.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of targeted protein degraders is a novel approach in antiviral drug discovery, similar strategies have shown promise in treating drug-resistant cancers and autoimmune diseases.

Where this research is happening

Tuscaloosa, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Autoimmune Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.