Can an arthritis drug help clear HIV from the brain?
NCT ID NCT05452564
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This Phase 2 trial tests whether baricitinib, an FDA-approved arthritis drug, can reduce the amount of HIV hiding in the central nervous system. 95 people with HIV on stable antiretroviral therapy will receive either baricitinib or a placebo for 10 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in HIV DNA and RNA in spinal fluid, along with brain scans and thinking tests.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Baricitinib (an oral tablet used for rheumatoid arthritis, being tested to reduce HIV in the brain)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could show that baricitinib helps control HIV in the brain, potentially reducing long-term brain complications and moving toward a future cure.
What could go wrong
This is an early Phase 2 trial with only 95 people. It may not show a clear benefit, and baricitinib can have side effects like increased infection risk. Success in the brain does not mean a cure.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Study contacts
-
Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
-
Emory University Hospital
RECRUITINGAtlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
-
Grady Memorial Hospital
RECRUITINGAtlanta, Georgia, 30303, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••