Could a bone drug help control HIV?

NCT ID NCT07216794

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This small Phase 2 trial tests whether alendronate, a drug used for bone health, can reduce the hidden HIV reservoir in people already on antiretroviral therapy. About 30 participants will receive either alendronate or a placebo, and researchers will measure changes in HIV DNA and RNA levels. The goal is to see if this approach can help control the virus long-term.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: alendronate
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to shrink the hidden HIV reservoir, potentially helping control the virus without daily medication.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small trial with only 30 participants. It may not show a meaningful effect, and alendronate is not a cure—participants must stay on antiretroviral therapy.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

HIV infectious disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HIV

Contacts and locations

Locations

Chapel Hill (Site ID: 3201)
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States
Ohio State University (Site ID: 2301)
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States
University of California, San Francisco HIV/AIDS (Site ID: 801)
RECRUITING

San Francisco, California, 94110, United States
University of Colorado Hospital (Site ID: 6101)
RECRUITING

Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States
University of Pittsburgh (Site ID: 1001)
RECRUITING

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

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