Dr. Gendelman’s research focuses on the adherence to complex treatment regimens, and the cumulative toxicities that underlie treatment failures for antiretroviral therapy (ART).
In order to improve treatment outcomes for HIV-1-infected people, Dr. Gendelman’s laboratories pioneered the developments of long-acting nanoformulated ART (nanoART). Homogenized formulations of crystalline atazanavir (ATZ), ritonavir (RTV) and others are manufactured with a range of excipients and particle performance tested using a range of cell-nanoparticle interactions (cell uptake, release and antiretroviral responses) with primary T cells and monocyte-macrophages as a targets. Towards translation for use by humans, humanized mice and rhesus macaques are used as an in vivo platform for drug testing. Human testing will be performed in future, with the goal of improving compliance, as well as utilizing the technologies to improve drug delivery to cell and tissue reservoirs, including those of the central nervous system.