New treatments for cognitive issues in HIV patients
Official title: Allosteric Modulators of Dopamine Transporter as Therapeutic Agents for NeuroAIDS
Funded at Southern Research Institute · NIH-10827397 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein from the HIV virus affects thinking and behavior in people with HIV, and it aims to create new treatments that can help balance brain chemicals to improve mental function for those dealing with HIV-related cognitive issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southern Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $927,795 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA047924-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10827397 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are experiencing cognitive and behavioral deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or those who do not exhibit cognitive impairments related to HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a specific protein from the HIV virus contributes to cognitive and behavioral problems in individuals living with HIV. The focus is on developing new compounds that can target and modify the interaction between this protein and dopamine transporters in the brain. By doing so, the research aims to restore normal dopamine levels and improve cognitive function in patients suffering from HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. The approach involves advanced medicinal chemistry techniques to create allosteric modulators that can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic options for improving cognitive function in HIV-positive individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting dopamine transporters is promising, it is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in the context of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
Southern Research Institute
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Augelli-Szafran, Corinne Elizabeth — Southern Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Augelli-Szafran, Corinne Elizabeth
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.