Protecting the brain from early HIV-related damage with new therapy
Protection against early SIV brain injury with adjunctive therapy to cART
This study is looking at how a drug called dimethyl fumarate can help protect the brain from damage during the early stages of HIV infection when standard treatments might not be enough, and it's being tested in monkeys to see if it could help people with HIV too.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11070353 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how a neuroprotective drug, dimethyl fumarate (DMF), can be used alongside standard HIV treatment to prevent brain injury caused by the virus. The study focuses on the early stages of HIV infection, where brain damage can occur before traditional treatments take effect. By enhancing the body's antioxidant defenses and reducing inflammation, the research aims to improve brain health in individuals with HIV. The approach involves testing this combination therapy in a controlled setting using rhesus macaques, which may provide insights applicable to human patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently been diagnosed with HIV and are beginning antiretroviral therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who are in advanced stages of HIV with significant neurocognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved brain health and cognitive function for individuals living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using neuroprotective strategies for brain health in HIV, but this specific combination therapy is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kolson, Dennis Larry — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Kolson, Dennis Larry
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.