Targeted HIV medicine delivery to gut tissues
A targeted anti-HIV drug delivery to the GALT
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY · NIH-11124783
This work aims to create a new way to deliver HIV medicines directly to hidden virus in the gut, helping people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (EDINBURG, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11124783 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Current HIV treatments have greatly improved health, but the virus can still hide in certain parts of the body, like the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), making it hard to fully get rid of. This project is developing a special 'nanodrug' that uses tiny particles to carry three anti-HIV medications. These particles are designed to specifically target and enter certain cells in the gut, called M-cells, which can then transport the medicine deeper into the GALT. The hope is that this targeted delivery will keep the medicine in these hard-to-reach areas for longer, more effectively clearing the hidden virus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for individuals living with HIV-1, especially those whose virus persists in gut tissues despite current treatments.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV-1 or whose virus is not primarily harbored in gut-associated lymphoid tissue may not directly benefit from this specific delivery method.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective treatments that eliminate hidden HIV reservoirs, potentially moving closer to a cure or significantly improving long-term health for people with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: While current combined antiretroviral therapies are highly effective, directly targeting HIV reservoirs in the GALT with nanomedicine is a novel approach that builds on existing drug knowledge.
Where this research is happening
EDINBURG, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY — EDINBURG, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROY, UPAL — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY
- Study coordinator: ROY, UPAL
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus