Ultra long‑lasting HIV medicine formulations
Prodrug Formulations Create Sustained-Release Antiretrovirals
Developing next‑generation long‑acting HIV drugs that could let people living with or at risk for HIV get doses only every six months or less often.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11233315 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are making modified versions of existing HIV drugs that slowly release in the body to extend time between doses. They previously developed a candidate called XVIR‑110 (a stearate prodrug of cabotegravir) that completed preclinical safety studies and is planned for early human testing. The current work aims to create combination long‑acting formulations with improved dosing intervals, lower injection volumes, fewer injection‑site problems, and more favorable drug levels over time. Studies include formulation chemistry, animal pharmacokinetics and toxicology, and preparations for first‑in‑human safety trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV or adults at high risk for HIV who meet trial enrollment rules and can attend clinic visits would be the most likely candidates for early human studies.
Not a fit: People who cannot receive long‑acting injectables (for example due to allergies to the drug components), children, or those who prefer or require only oral therapies may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could greatly reduce how often people need HIV injections, improve adherence, and lower the chance of resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Existing long‑acting injectables like Cabenuva have shown that long‑acting HIV therapy can work, while this prodrug formulation approach is newer and aims to extend dosing intervals well beyond current options.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Edagwa, Benson — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Edagwa, Benson
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.