Lp(a) and HIV: Understanding Heart Disease Risk in HIV Patients
Official title: Lipoprotein (a) Modification of the Impact of HIV Infection on Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11402774 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program looks at how Lipoprotein(a) contributes to higher heart disease risk in people with HIV and what Lp(a) levels mean for future treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $654,661 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL176322-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11402774 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with HIV who are at risk for ASCVD and who have measurable Lp(a) levels.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without HIV or without ASCVD risk factors are less likely to benefit.
What this research studies
People living with HIV often have higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease due to chronic inflammation. The project studies how Lp(a) levels relate to ASCVD risk in HIV and aims to identify risk thresholds that could guide treatment decisions. Researchers will use existing cohorts and stored blood samples to measure Lp(a) and track heart-artery health over time, while also examining potential mechanisms involving inflammation and liver production of Lp(a). A focus is placed on potential racial differences in Lp(a) levels and risk. The work could help define who might benefit from Lp(a)-lowering therapies in the HIV population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could improve how doctors predict heart disease risk in people with HIV and inform who should receive Lp(a)-lowering therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests Lp(a) is linked to ASCVD risk, but thresholds specific to HIV and racial disparities are not fully defined.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leucker, Thorsten M — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Leucker, Thorsten M
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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.