GLP-1 drugs to reduce alcohol use and heart risk in people with HIV

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project aims to use GLP-1 receptor agonists to decrease unhealthy alcohol use and support smoking cessation in people living with HIV, with the goal of improving cardiometabolic health. The study builds on prior evidence that GLP-1 drugs lower alcohol craving, reduce drinking, and support weight loss, and applies it to an HIV population at high cardiovascular risk. Participants will be adults living with HIV who struggle with alcohol use and smoking, and will be monitored for changes in drinking, smoking, inflammation, lipid profiles, and overall heart health. The approach may involve behavioral support paired with medication to address multiple risk factors simultaneously. If successful, this could lead to new, integrated care approaches to reduce cardiovascular deaths in PWH.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  Nashville, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Tindle, Hilary a. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• Study coordinator: Tindle, Hilary a.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  This grant looks at how GLP-1 receptor drugs change how the body handles sugar and fats, beyond lowering blood sugar or appetite, to help people with brittle diabetes.

  NIH research Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health · Boston, United States · NIH-11599303

• GLP-1 receptor drugs and heart-brain health in diabetes and Alzheimer’s risk

  A Duke-led study will explore how GLP-1 receptor medicines and exercise affect brain and heart health in models prone to diabetes and Alzheimer’s risk.

  NIH research Duke University · Durham, United States · NIH-11536555

• GLP-1 medicines to improve heart, kidney, and metabolic health for people with HIV and type 2 diabetes

  A real-world study will look at how GLP-1 receptor agonists affect heart and kidney health and lifetime costs for people living with HIV and type 2 diabetes.

  NIH research Boston University Medical Campus · Boston, United States · NIH-11470780

• Lifestyle plan to protect muscle and heart health for adults with obesity using GLP-1 medications

  A real-world trial tests a combined nutrition and resistance-training program versus standard care for adults starting GLP-1 weight loss drugs to preserve lean mass and cardiovascular health.

  NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-11452740

• Pre-pregnancy GLP-1 Medication Use and Stopping It: Effects on Blood Sugar and Pregnancy Outcomes

  This project looks at how using GLP-1–based weight loss medicine before pregnancy and stopping it before trying to conceive affects blood sugar and pregnancy health.

  NIH research University of Rochester · Rochester, United States · NIH-11438182

• Ways to keep weight off after stopping GLP-1 weight-loss meds

  This project tests simple strategies to help adults who have obesity keep weight off after stopping high-dose GLP-1 medicines.

  NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11428011

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.