Highly effective treatments for HIV, including drug-resistant strains

Ultrapotent Inhibitors of Wild-type and Multi-drug Resistant HIV

NIH-funded research Emory University · NIH-11251940

Researchers are developing next-generation islatravir-based drugs to strongly block HIV, including strains that resist current medicines, for people living with HIV.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-11251940 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You should know that scientists will study how second-generation versions of islatravir stop HIV and why some viruses become resistant. They will use lab experiments with HIV samples and human-derived cells to map mechanisms of action, resistance, and hypersusceptibility. The team aims to use those findings to design long-acting, safer drug combinations with existing antivirals. Results could guide future clinical testing and better treatment options for patients with difficult-to-treat HIV.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people living with HIV, especially those whose virus has become resistant to current drugs or who want long-acting treatment options.

Not a fit: People without HIV or those whose infection is stable and well controlled on current therapies are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to longer-lasting, safer HIV treatments that work against drug-resistant virus.

How similar studies have performed: Islatravir has already shown strong antiviral activity and is in phase 3 trials, so this approach builds on promising results though the new compounds remain experimental.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.