Improving HIV-related brain infections with drug levels in the CNS
Official title: Improving outcomes in HIV-associated opportunistic infections using CNS pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11406184 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how drugs reach the brain to better treat HIV-related brain infections like cryptococcal meningitis and TB meningitis.
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) | $455,003 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS139908-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11406184 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV who are at risk for or have cryptococcal meningitis or TB meningitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HIV-related CNS infections may not benefit from these CNS-focused pharmacokinetic findings.
What this research studies
People living with HIV who develop serious brain infections often don’t get enough medicine into the brain to clear the infection. The project uses pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling to link drug levels in the cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue with how quickly the infection clears and with patient outcomes. Researchers will examine how drugs distribute in brain tissue, how inflammation and resistance affect treatment, and how these insights could guide better dosing and regimens. The work builds on ongoing collaborations and aims to reduce deaths from these CNS infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to dosing strategies that more effectively clear brain infections and reduce mortality in people with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that CNS drug levels influence treatment success, though brain tissue data are limited, making this approach innovative.
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.