Gabapentin to reduce drinking and help lower HIV viral load
Gabapentin to Reduce Alcohol and Improve Viral Load Suppression - Promoting "Treatment as Prevention"
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11127538
People with HIV who drink heavily will take gabapentin or a placebo to help reduce alcohol use, improve taking HIV medicines, and lower their viral load.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11127538 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would join a randomized, double-blind clinical trial where participants are given either gabapentin or a placebo without knowing which one they receive. The trial focuses on adults with HIV who drink heavily and have had a detectable viral load in the past year. Study visits will track alcohol use, adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and HIV viral load over time to see whether gabapentin helps people stay in care and achieve viral suppression. The medication may also help with HIV-related painful nerve conditions while reducing drinking.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with HIV who currently drink heavily and who had a detectable HIV viral load within the past year are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who do not drink heavily, already have durable viral suppression, or who cannot take gabapentin because of medical contraindications are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, gabapentin could help people with HIV who drink heavily cut down on alcohol, improve antiretroviral adherence, and achieve viral suppression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials show gabapentin can reduce alcohol consumption and treat neuropathic pain, but it has not been tested specifically for improving HIV viral suppression among heavy-drinking people with HIV.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SAMET, JEFFREY H. — BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: SAMET, JEFFREY H.
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 below.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus