PNU-120596 for HIV-related thinking and memory problems
Official title: Positive allosteric modulator PNU-120596 to treat HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders
Funded at Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci · NIH-11312683 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether PNU-120596, a drug that boosts a brain receptor, can protect the brain and reduce thinking and memory problems in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $678,398 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA060761-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11312683 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV who have HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders or noticeable problems with memory, attention, or thinking would be the intended candidates for follow-up clinical work.
✕Less likely to help
People without HIV or whose cognitive issues are caused by other conditions (for example Alzheimer's disease or stroke) are unlikely to benefit from this treatment approach.
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a drug called PNU-120596 that enhances the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor to protect brain cells from damage linked to HIV and the viral protein Tat. The work uses lab experiments and mice engineered to produce Tat in the brain to track inflammation, neuron health, and viral reactivation. Scientists will also examine how the drug affects HIV replication and the cellular mechanisms behind its protective effects. If the lab and animal results remain promising, the findings could guide later human testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lessen HIV-associated cognitive problems and reduce viral reactivation in the brain.
How similar studies have gone: Early lab and mouse studies from this team showed that α7 nAChR positive allosteric modulators like PNU-120596 improved brain pathology and reduced HIV reactivation, but human testing has not yet been done.
Where this research is happening
-
Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
North Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: He, Johnny J — Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
- Study coordinator: He, Johnny J
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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.