Investigating how certain HIV medications cause pain and their interaction with opioids.

Cellular and circuitry mechanisms of NRTI-induced pain pathogenesis in the context of opioids and HIV

NIH-funded research State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11011720

This study is looking at how certain HIV medications might be making pain worse for people living with HIV, and it aims to find ways to help manage that pain better.

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-11011720 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which are commonly used in HIV treatment, contribute to pain in patients living with HIV. The study will explore the mechanisms behind this pain, particularly how NRTIs interact with opioids and a specific HIV protein, gp120, to exacerbate pain conditions. By using animal models, researchers will examine the cellular and circuitry changes in the nervous system that lead to this pain, aiming to identify potential therapeutic targets for better pain management in HIV patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are experiencing pain related to their treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are not on combination antiretroviral therapy or do not experience pain related to their HIV treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for individuals living with HIV, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that understanding the mechanisms of pain in HIV patients can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach has the 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 Syndrome VirusAcquired 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.