Focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier and reduce HIV reservoirs in the brain
Official title: Use of Focused ultrasound stimulated blood brain barrier opening for CNS HIV/SIV reservoir reduction
Funded at Texas Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-11393175 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses gentle ultrasound to temporarily open the brain’s protective barrier so HIV medicines can reach the brain and shrink hidden virus reservoirs in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,344,066 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA064139-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393175 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults living with HIV who are on or transitioning off ART and have concerns about brain reservoirs and cognitive effects.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without HIV or without ART-related brain reservoir concerns are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a technique called focused ultrasound–induced BBB opening to help antiviral drugs reach the brain and potentially reduce HIV reservoirs. The approach involves guiding low-intensity ultrasound with injected microbubbles to create a controlled, temporary opening in the blood-brain barrier. If successful, this could make brain-targeted treatments more effective and help prevent viral rebound when ART is interrupted. The study builds on prior safe use of this method in other brain-directed therapies and adapts it for HIV/SIV models. Participants would be part of a translation-forward project aiming to improve brain penetration of treatments and long-term viral control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the strategy could enhance brain delivery of HIV therapies and reduce hidden viral reservoirs, improving disease control for people with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical and early human work show that focused ultrasound can safely open the BBB and improve drug delivery in the brain; this is an extension toward HIV reservoirs.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Biomedical Research Institute
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mohan, Mahesh — Texas Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Mohan, Mahesh
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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.