New HIV medicines that work when lenacapavir stops working
Novel HIV capsid-targeting antivirals maintain activity against lenacapavir-resistant viruses
New drugs that target the HIV capsid are being developed to help people whose virus has become resistant to lenacapavir.
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 ID | NIH-11261256 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at Emory are developing next-generation drugs that bind the HIV capsid (the virus shell) and are testing whether they remain active against viruses that carry lenacapavir-resistance mutations. The team uses laboratory experiments with virus samples and infected cells to measure how well candidate compounds bind the capsid and block virus replication, focusing on known mutations like M66I, Q67H, and N74D. The aim is to identify compounds that can 'rescue' treatment when lenacapavir stops working. This early-stage work could lead to clinical testing if the lab results look promising.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with HIV whose virus shows lenacapavir-associated capsid resistance mutations (for example M66I, Q67H, or N74D) would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People whose HIV is well controlled on current therapies or whose virus does not carry capsid resistance mutations are unlikely to benefit from these specific drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If these compounds work, they could provide new treatment options for people whose HIV has become resistant to lenacapavir.
How similar studies have performed: Capsid-targeting drugs like lenacapavir have shown strong antiviral activity but resistance has emerged, and some laboratory studies suggest next-generation compounds can overcome certain mutations though clinical data are limited.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- 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 below.