How HIV and opioids interact to cause pain

Cooperative mechanisms of HIV and opiods in pain pathogenisis

NIH-funded research State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-10665625

This study is looking at how long-term use of pain medications called opioids might actually make pain worse for people living with HIV/AIDS, and it aims to find better ways to manage that pain.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stony Brook, United States)
Project IDNIH-10665625 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which chronic opioid treatment can worsen pain in patients with HIV/AIDS. It focuses on understanding how opioids, commonly used for pain relief, may lead to a heightened pain state known as hyperalgesia. Using a mouse model that mimics the pain conditions experienced by HIV patients, the study aims to identify the neuroinflammatory pathways that are activated by both HIV and opioids. By uncovering these mechanisms, the research seeks to improve pain management strategies for HIV patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are HIV/AIDS patients who experience chronic pain and are currently using or have used opioid analgesics.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV/AIDS or do not experience chronic pain may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better pain management strategies for HIV patients, reducing the risk of opioid overdose and improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that understanding the interplay between opioids and HIV-related pain can lead to significant advancements in pain management, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Stony Brook, 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 Immuno-Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunologic Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
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.