Effects of a weight loss drug on HIV-related fat accumulation and immune response
Official title: Impact of a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist administration on SIV/HIV pathogenesis and ART
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10987199 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a weight loss medication might help people with HIV who are on treatment by reducing belly fat and improving their immune system, which could help fight the virus better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 10, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $780,853 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK140931-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987199 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are undergoing antiretroviral therapy and experiencing significant weight gain or metabolic issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who are not on antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist can impact the accumulation of visceral fat and immune dysfunction in people living with HIV who are undergoing antiretroviral therapy. By using a pigtailed macaque model that closely mimics human metabolic responses, the study aims to understand the relationship between weight gain, inflammation, and the persistence of HIV in fat tissues. The researchers will analyze how this weight loss drug affects immune cell behavior and metabolic processes that contribute to ongoing viral reservoirs in adipose tissue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that reduce metabolic complications and enhance the overall health of individuals living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using metabolic interventions to address complications associated with HIV treatment, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vasile Pandrea, Ivona — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Vasile Pandrea, Ivona
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.