Understanding how methamphetamine and HIV affect the brain
Official title: M-SCORCH: Methamphetamine use disorder data generation center for Single Cell Opioid Responses in the Context of HIV
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11039952 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV and methamphetamine use affect the brain, especially in areas that help with thinking and memory, to better understand how these factors might lead to problems with brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,869,900 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DA053628-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039952 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are HIV positive and have a history of methamphetamine use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or methamphetamine use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between HIV and methamphetamine use and their effects on brain function. By analyzing human brain tissue and organoids at a single-cell level, the study aims to identify differences in gene expression and biological pathways influenced by these conditions. The research focuses on specific brain regions critical for neurobiological responses to methamphetamine, using advanced techniques to assess the presence of HIV in brain cells. This comprehensive approach seeks to enhance our understanding of how these two factors contribute to cognitive impairments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals affected by both HIV and methamphetamine use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While the interactions between HIV and methamphetamine are known, this specific approach using single-cell analysis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ho, Ya-Chi — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Ho, Ya-Chi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Calming cue-triggered cravings in methamphetamine use
Seeing if teaching people with methamphetamine use disorder a thinking-based skill (cognitive reappraisal) can reduce brain and craving reactions to drug cues.
-
Psilocybin for treatment of methamphetamine use disorder
A study is testing whether psilocybin can help people with methamphetamine use disorder feel better and stay abstinent, starting with a small, carefully monitored group.
-
Reducing Methamphetamine Use to Improve Health and Well-Being
A clinical trial tests whether giving incentives to people with methamphetamine use disorder helps them use less meth and improves heart, immune, sleep, and psychosocial health.
-
Mobilizing Recovery Resources to Improve HIV Care for People Using Methamphetamine
A patient-friendly project to help people living with HIV who use methamphetamine strengthen personal and community supports to stay engaged in care.
-
Psilocybin-assisted therapy for methamphetamine use disorder in people with HIV
A small, carefully controlled study will test whether psilocybin, given with support, can help people living with HIV who have moderate-to-severe methamphetamine use disorder.
-
Tirzepatide for Methamphetamine Use Disorder in adults with diabetes
A study will test whether an approved diabetes drug, tirzepatide, helps adults with methamphetamine use disorder who have diabetes.
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.