AIDS Clinical Research for New Yorkers

The recent publication of HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials: A Directory for New York State by the Community Research Initiative on AIDS (CRIA) is something of a revelation. Measured by sheer quantity, HIV research is thriving, with 126 clinical trials listed at sites throughout New York, including trials accessible to New Yorkers being conducted in Connecticut, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) campus in Bethesda, Maryland (which pays airfare).

This comprehensive directory is designed for ease of use, with one trial listed per page in a clear and consistent format. The key drug or condition being studied is stated prominently at the top of each page. Broad inclusion criteria are highlighted -- previous treatment experience, CD4 count and viral load -- along with a brief description of the trial's design and duration.

More complete entry criteria are detailed separately followed by a list of study sites, contact names and phone numbers. The directory is available without charge to people living with HIV and service providers.

Community Research Initiative on AIDS (CRIA)
230 West 38th Street, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10018
212/924-3934, ext. 123
www.criany.org

What is Being Studied?

This directory provides an interesting snapshot of the kinds of HIV/AIDS research ongoing in this country. Here's a brief analysis of what's being studied with a few highlights:

• Pediatric trials represent 25% of the listed trials. (In the chart below right, pediatric trials are grouped together and include anti-HIV treatments, immune therapies and treatments for associated infections and conditions in children.)

• Of trials for anti-HIV treatments in adults, nearly half are for approved drugs; with a third investigating nine new treatments at various pre-approval stages. Overall, 10% of the 126 trials are for new drug treatments.

• About a quarter of adult trials are studying treatment management strategies such as treatment interruption and intensification.

• A surprising number of trials (see chart below left) are early phase safety and efficacy studies of new agents for treating HIV or its opportunistic infections.

What HIV CLinical Research is Available to New Yorkers?

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