HIV drugs and brain and mood side effects linked to integrase inhibitors
Official title: Examining the neuropsychiatric effects of HIV-1 integrase inhibitors
Funded at Meharry Medical College · NIH-11382223 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Meharry Medical College looks at how certain HIV medications (INSTIs) might cause brain and mood side effects in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Meharry Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 1997 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $254,770 |
| NIH project number | 5U54MD007586-40 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382223 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients currently treated with INSTI-containing ART who may experience or be at risk for neuropsychiatric side effects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not affected by neuropsychiatric side effects may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
People living with HIV take ART to control the virus, but some commonly used INSTIs may cause neuropsychiatric side effects. This grant plans to explore the biological reasons behind these effects, focusing on signals like glutamate and calcium in the brain. The goal is to uncover mechanisms so doctors can anticipate, prevent, or better manage these side effects in patients. The research involves laboratory studies that could eventually translate into safer treatment options for people with HIV. Participation of patients or patient data may be involved in future steps of translating findings to care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to safer ART regimens with fewer neuropsychiatric side effects for people with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: There is growing evidence linking INSTIs to neuropsychiatric effects, but the exact mechanisms remain under study and progress has been incremental.
Where this research is happening
-
Meharry Medical College
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pandhare, Jui — Meharry Medical College
- Study coordinator: Pandhare, Jui
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.