Improving HIV-related brain infections by studying how drugs reach the brain
Official title: Improving outcomes in HIV-associated opportunistic infections using CNS pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11538505 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how well drugs reach the brain and spine to treat HIV-related infections like cryptococcal meningitis and TB meningitis in people with AIDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $190,085 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS139908-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11538505 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with HIV who develop cryptococcal or TB meningitis or other AIDS-related CNS infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HIV-related CNS infections or those not receiving CNS-penetrating therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
People with HIV who develop serious brain infections face high death rates. The project will use pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling to understand how drugs penetrate the brain and how this relates to clearing the infection, inflammation, and survival. Researchers will compare CSF and brain tissue exposure to help optimize dosing and formulations. The study builds on existing collaborations and aims to translate findings into better treatment regimens for CNS infections. The long-term goal is to reduce mortality from these brain infections in people with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to smarter dosing and drug choices that improve survival and brain health for people with HIV-related CNS infections.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows that CNS drug exposure matters for controlling brain infections, but more precise brain/CSF exposure relationships are needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nicol, Melanie Rae — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Nicol, Melanie Rae
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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.