Investigating metformin's effects on immune health in people with and without HIV who use injection drugs
Official title: Assessment of metformin for restoration of immune homeostasis in HIV+ and HIV- individuals with a history of injection drug use
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11195633 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the diabetes medication metformin might help improve the immune system in people living with HIV and those who use injectable drugs, by reducing inflammation and boosting certain immune cells, to help lower their risk of infections and other health problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,107,091 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA060692-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11195633 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals living with HIV and those who inject drugs, particularly those experiencing immune system challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of injection drug use or HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how metformin, a medication commonly used for diabetes, can help restore immune balance in individuals with HIV and those who inject drugs. The study focuses on the immune system's response, particularly looking at inflammation and B cell function, which can be disrupted in these populations. By examining the effects of metformin, the research aims to address the heightened risk of infections and other health issues associated with both HIV and injection drug use. Participants will be monitored for changes in their immune health over the course of the study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immune health and reduced complications for individuals affected by HIV and injection drug use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using metformin for immune modulation, but this specific application in the context of HIV and injection drug use is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kobie, James J — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Kobie, James J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Couples-based motivational interviewing to reduce drug use and HIV risk in vulnerable male couples
A couples-focused program helps at-risk male couples reduce drug use and HIV risk together.
-
How growing up poor in rural Georgia affects children's brains and risk for drug use
This project looks at how early poverty and stress in rural Georgia change children's brain systems and their later chances of using drugs.
-
Understanding why teens relapse after treatment and how to keep them safe
A teen-focused study will look at why adolescents who finish inpatient treatment sometimes return to high-risk drug use and how that affects overdose risk.
-
Peer-led intervention to spread overdose prevention and support quitting opioids in high-risk communities
A randomized trial will test a peer-education program to reduce overdoses and help people who use opioids start or stay in treatment, by using social networks and new withdrawal-focused strategies.
-
High-Dose Medications for Opioid Use Disorder and Retention in Care
This project tests whether adjusted, higher-dose MOUD regimens can help people stay in treatment and reduce overdose risks during the fentanyl crisis.
-
OVAL: How laws about drug use in pregnancy affect pregnant and new mothers who use drugs
A nationwide project is looking at how laws about drug use in pregnancy influence health for pregnant and postpartum women who use drugs.
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.