Important note: Information in this article was accurate in December 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
ACRIA Update, Vol. 11, No. 1, Winter 2001/2002
ACRIA recently began enrolling a Phase III trial of a new protease inhibitor in development by Bristol-Myers Squibb Virology called atazanavir. This study is looking at which of two protease inhibitors - atazanavir or FDA-approved Viracept (nelfinavir) - shows superior outcomes in patients whose current antiretroviral regimens are failing them. Although study participants can be on HIV medications when they enroll, this trial is only open to individuals who have had very limited prior use of a protease inhibitor. Bristol-Myers Squibb Virology is currently conducting two other studies of atazanavir to address treatment failure, which allow patients to have used protease inhibitors in the past. For more information on these alternative trials, please call 1-888-847-6794.
Carlos Santiago has joined ACRIA as our newest HIV Treatment Educator. Mr. Santiago will be working on all of our HIV Treatment Education Program services for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWAs) in New York City, with special emphasis on working with Spanish speaking clients. He comes to us with significant experience assisting underserved populations in gaining stability and improved quality of life. Immediately prior to joining ACRIA, Mr. Santiago was a case manager at the Exodus Transitional Community where he helped ex-offenders access a full array of services. He received his initial training on HIV treatment issues through a New York State Department of Health sponsored program. He is rounding out his knowledge of HIV treatment issues at ACRIA and is already proving to be an important asset to our programs and to the local PLWA community.
Virginia Turner has also recently joined ACRIA as a consultant to oversee our new Research Policy Advisory Committee (ResPAC) project. Dr. Turner has worked on many public health initiatives and holds a Masters in Public Health from Harvard and a Doctorate in Public Health from Johns Hopkins. She has devoted 18 years to trachoma research, control and elimination programs. With others, she created the "SAFE Strategy' (Surgery, Antibiotics, Clean Faces, and Environmental Improvement), designed to reduce disease transmission and eliminate trachoma as a cause of blindness. Trachoma, the world's major cause of preventable blindness, is responsible for blindness in six million people worldwide. At ACRIA, Dr. Turner will complete ResPAC's initial phase - a complete list of HIV/AIDS research currently being undertaken in New York State, meetings with researchers to review current research, identify research gaps and complete a set of research recommendations. The second phase of ResPAC will build a strategic plan for HIV research based on these recommendations and full community involvement.
The Fall 2001 edition of ACRIA's HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials: A Directory for New York State is available free of charge to medical and non-medical care providers in New York State. With 151 trials listed, this publication includes the most comprehensive roster of currently enrolling HIV clinical trials in the tri-state region. All trial listings have been written for the broadest audience possible, including people with no medical background. Again, our hope is that this publication not only informs PLWAs about the risks and benefits of participating in HIV studies, but also offers a clear explanation of trials that can be accessed. ACRIA will also list enrolling trials on our web site. Go to www.acria.org to conduct an online search of HIV studies in the New York area after January 1, 2002. Call ACRIA at (212) 924-3934 x 123 for information on those organizations in New York State that have printed copies of the directory.
ACRIA has also introduced a Spanish language version of our existing brochure, Managing Drug Side Effects. This is our second topic-specific treatment publication to be translated into Spanish. Bulk copies of the new brochure, Control de los Efectos Secundarios, and Entendiendo Sus Resultados del Laboratorio (Understanding Your Lab Results) are available free of charge to community based organizations (CBOs) serving Latino populations throughout the United States. If you are a CBO wanting publications in either English or Spanish, place your order by calling ACRIA's Treatment Education Department at (212) 924-3934 x 121 or fax us at (212) 924-3936 with contact and mailing information.
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