CRIA Trials in Progress

Study of Three Different Drug Combinations in Drug-Naïve, HIV+ Individuals (Currently Enrolling)

CRIA is participating in a 96-week study sponsored by Glaxo Wellcome. It will look at the effect of three different anti-HIV drug combinations on people infected with HIV. Some individuals with HIV experience changes in body shape as a result of fat redistribution. The primary purpose of this clinical trial is to study this effect. The study is for adults who are HIV-1+, have a CD4+ lymphocyte cell count greater than or equal to 50 cells/mm³, have a viral load greater than 1,000 copies/mL and less than 200,000 copies/mL, and have NOT taken anti-HIV drugs in the past or have very limited use of certain anti-HIV drugs. Participants will be reimbursed $15 plus a $3 MetroCard per visit after enrollment.

Topical Aspirin for Peripheral Neuropathy (Enrollment Closed)
CRIA is conducting a five-week double-blinded study looking at the efficacy of topical aspirin to treat painful sensory peripheral neuropathies in people with HIV. Over the course of the trial, participants will be given two separate bottles of solution: one with aspirin in diethyl ether, another with an inactive placebo in diethyl ether. The order in which these bottles will be provided is randomized. The solution will be applied on the skin over the painful area three times a day. HIV-infected adults with painful sensory neuropathy that has been present for at least a month are eligible. There will be a total of five study visits.

SAM-e for Depression in HIV+ Individuals (Currently Enrolling)
Enrollment is continuing at CRIA for an eight-week open-label study of the efficacy and safety of using S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) to treat depression in HIV+ individuals. SAM-e is a naturally occurring compound that is sold as a food supplement in this country. HIV-infected adults with diagnosed clinical depression may be eligible for this study. There will be a total of seven study visits.

Directly Observed Antiretroviral Therapy (DART)
CRIA is currently conducting the pilot study "Historical Prospective Study of Directly Observed Antiretroviral Therapy (DART)" with the CDC. Patient records from three types of settings providing antiretroviral therapy (AIDS residential health care facilities, day health centers, and ambulatory health clinics) are being compared to study the effect of DART on the clinical outcome of people living with AIDS. This research should generate data that will maximize the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapies and minimize the development of HIV resistance to these drugs.

For more information on any of these stories, please call (212) 924-3934 ext. 126 for Dr. Irene Cergnul or ext.124 for Dr. Douglas Mendez, or visit our Web site (www.criany.org).