Washington Blade - August 19, 2005

D.C. physician and HIV specialist Moody Mustafa is recruiting patients for a clinical trial to evaluate a new growth hormone medication aimed at treating HIV associated lipodystrophy, a condition associated with increased abdominal girth caused by side effects from certain AIDS drugs. The new drug, TH9507, a "growth hormone releasing factor analog," is aimed at treating the condition with fewer side effects than existing drugs. Volunteers should be HIV-positive, fall within the age of 18 to 65 years old, have excess abdominal fat accumulation, and be taking HIV medications for eight weeks prior to their entry into the study, according to an announcement released by Mustafa's office. The 52-week study is designed to "offer experimental active drug to all volunteers for at least 26 weeks," the announcement says. Some participants will receive a placebo before or after being switched to the active drug. The medication consists of a once-a-day subcutaneous injection, the announcement says. The study will be conducted in the offices of Mustafa and his associate, Dr. Richard Elion, at 2311 M St., NW. Persons interested in participating should contact study coordinator Tracy Barrett at tbarrett@idphysicians.com or at 703-560-4821.

- Lou Chibbaro Jr.

Police seek leads in death of man last seen at gay bar

The Gay & Lesbian Liaison Unit of the Metropolitan Police Department is asking for information related to the death of 22-year-old Rauque Johnson. Johnson was seen leaving Heat at closing time on Aug. 4. At about 5:30 a.m., police were called to South Capitol and Danbury Streets, SW, where they found Johnson, who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He later died. Anyone with information is urged to call Detective George Blackwell at 202-645-6295 or Detective Jacqueline Middleton at 202-645-9600. The department offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

- Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg

Gay attorney elected to board in Rehoboth

Dennis Barbour, a gay attorney who works in Washington, D.C., was elected to the Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners in last weekend's election. "The gay issue was never an issue," Barbour said. "The issue never came up. It's a great thing. It's what the advocacy organizations are trying to accomplish. It's a testimony to the work that they've done." Barbour is a part-time Rehoboth resident, splitting his time between the gay-friendly beach town and D.C. The main issue in the campaign was development, he said. Mayor Sam Cooper easily won re-election. The two open city commissioner seats went to candidates aligned with Cooper: Barbour and Ron Paterson. "It's a very strong indication on the part of the voters that they want to slow down the runaway growth," Barbour said. "The town was beginning to lose its charm and quaintness." Ron Paterson, who was also elected city commissioner, agreed that the voters want the development to be slowed down and examined. "The big issue is the future of the city - what kind of building will take place," Paterson told the Blade. The other candidates were David W. McCarthy and William B. Shields. Former Rehoboth Commissioner Mark Aguirre, who is gay, did not seek re-election.

- Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg

Group postpones vigil to protest Wilson's anti-gay sermon

A vigil originally scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 21, at Freedom Plaza to protest the anti-gay sermon delivered by Rev. Willie Wilson last month was postponed this week. Wilson, pastor at Union Temple Church in D.C. and executive director of the Millions More Movement, accused lesbians of destroying the black family in a July 3 sermon. Vigil organizers said they hoped the event would unite the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community with people of faith. "The Millions More March should be a time of unity for the African-American community," said vigil co-organizer Amari Sokoya Pearson-Fields in a statement. "Unfortunately, Millions More leaders have chosen instead to make it an occasion that will undoubtedly further divide us as a people." Some gay rights activists have said black leaders did not sufficiently condemn Wilson's remarks. "Even worse is the deafening silence heard from other African-American leaders who refuse to take a stand on this issue," Pearson-Fields said. "Since they are not standing up for us, as part of the African-American community, we will stand up for ourselves." Vigil organizers did not announce a new date for the vigil by Blade press time.

- Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg

050819
WB050816

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .