The protease inhibitor darunavir prevents esophagitis and impairments in esophageal barrier function in a mouse model of GERD

American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Thiago M. Sales, Ananda Moara Lima Daniel, Lara Mara Gomes Da Silva, Álvaro Xavier Franco, Humberto Barbosa da Costa Filho, CN Monteiro, Antonia Beatriz Alves Ferreira, Sarah Antonieli Carneiro Alicrim, a de Castro Lopes, Marco Antônio de Freitas Clementino, Antonio Carlos Pereira de Oliveira, Lucas Antônio Duarte Nicolau
+5 more Alexandre Havt, Pedro Marcos Gomes Soares, Stuart Jon Spechler, Rhonda Frances Souza, Marcellus Henrique Loiola Ponte de Souza
DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00058.2025
Cited by: 1
References: 39

Abstract

The gastroesophageal reflux of pepsin contributes importantly to esophageal damage in patients with GERD. We have found that darunavir, a drug presently used to treat HIV, inhibits pepsin activity and, in an animal model of GERD, darunavir reduces esophageal inflammation and HIF-2α levels while preserving levels of tight junction proteins and esophageal mucosal integrity. These findings suggest that darunavir might have a role as a novel treatment for GERD.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Gastroesophageal reflux and treatments Esophageal and GI Pathology Esophageal Cancer Research and Treatment

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
330
Issue
6
Pages
G718–G726
Publication date
21 April 2026
Language
EN