Old HIV drug repurposed to flush out hidden virus in new pilot trial

NCT ID NCT06823596

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of Toronto Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This pilot study tests whether adding the HIV drug efavirenz to a person's current antiretroviral therapy (ART) can kill cells that harbor hidden HIV. About 26 adults with HIV who have low but detectable virus levels despite good adherence will take efavirenz for 8 weeks. The goal is to see if this approach can reduce or eliminate that residual viremia.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Efavirenz (an HIV drug also known as Sustiva)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to reduce the hidden HIV reservoir and lower persistent viremia, potentially improving long-term health.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early pilot study with only 26 participants. The effect may be modest or not work at all, and efavirenz can cause side effects like dizziness or sleep problems.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

AIDS 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

Maple Leaf Medical Clinic
RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1K2, Canada
Unity Health Toronto -St. Michael's Hospital
RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8, Canada

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