Exploring a new treatment for HIV-related brain disorders and cocaine addiction
Official title: Targeting Immunometabolism: a novel role for itaconate in the treatment of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder and cocaine use disorder
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-10819587 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called itaconate might help people with HIV-related brain issues and cocaine addiction by reducing inflammation in brain cells, which could lead to new treatments for these challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $181,708 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA058586-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10819587 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder who also have a history of cocaine use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HIV or those who do not have neurocognitive issues related to HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a compound called itaconate can help treat HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) and cocaine use disorder (CUD). The study focuses on understanding how itaconate affects inflammation in brain cells that are impacted by HIV and cocaine. By analyzing specific genes and pathways, the researchers aim to find ways to reduce inflammation and protect brain cells from damage. This innovative approach could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option that reduces inflammation and protects brain function in patients with HIV and cocaine use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting itaconate in this context is novel, similar strategies targeting inflammation in neurocognitive disorders have shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shtutman, Michael — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Shtutman, Michael
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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.