R-01 Grant will allow HIV-related research to continue

Jun Zhu, Ph.D., M.D., professor in the Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences department of the USC College of Pharmacy, has received a renewed $3.8M R-01 grant from the National Institute of Drug Abuse to further explore the connection between neurocognitive impairments and depression in people living with HIV. 
 
The Zhu lab is dedicated to tackling a pressing public health issue: the lack of effective treatment options for the millions of individuals affected by HIV-1 who also struggle with substance abuse and associated neurocognitive disorders.  
 
 Zhu and his team, including Alessandra Porcu, Ph.D., also a professor in DDBS, are working in collaboration with researchers from the University of Kentucky and the University of Florida. They hope to shed light on therapeutic intervention strategies for individuals with HIV and substance abuse issues. Their research has already gained recognition in the neuropharmacology field of NeuroHIV and substance abuse. By developing novel "neuroprotective compounds," the lab hopes to counteract the disruption of neurotransmitter networks in the brain caused by HIV-1 viral proteins. This could alleviate the comorbidity of neurocognitive depression and substance abuse in affected individuals. 
 
Zhu’s lab currently has three active NIH-funded R01 grants. Stephen J. Cutler, dean of the College of Pharmacy and vice president of economic development for the University of South Carolina, noted that securing even one R01 grant is a significant milestone. 
 
“Having multiple concurrent R01 awards is truly outstanding and speaks volumes about the exceptional caliber of Dr. Zhu’s work,” he says. “This accomplishment not only highlights his ability to consistently produce innovative and impactful research but also underscores the trust and confidence that the NIH has in his scientific endeavors. His success sets a high standard of excellence and serves as an inspiration to our colleagues and our broader scientific community.”