New antiviral drugs targeting HIV capsid to overcome resistance
Official title: Novel HIV capsid-targeting antivirals maintain activity against lenacapavir-resistant viruses
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11190435 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new antiviral medicines that can better fight HIV, especially for people whose current treatments aren't working anymore, by focusing on a key part of the virus that helps it multiply.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | January 17, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $223,300 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI189247-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11190435 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who have experienced treatment failure or resistance to existing antiviral therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are newly diagnosed with HIV and have not yet undergone treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new antiviral medications that specifically target the HIV capsid protein, which is crucial for the virus's ability to replicate. Current treatments can become ineffective due to the virus developing resistance, particularly against the recently approved drug lenacapavir. The researchers aim to identify next-generation compounds that can maintain their effectiveness even when the virus mutates. By studying how these new compounds interact with resistant strains of HIV, the goal is to provide better treatment options for patients who have not responded to existing therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for HIV, particularly for patients who have developed resistance to current medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting the HIV capsid, but this specific approach with next-generation compounds is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kirby, Karen a — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Kirby, Karen a
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.