AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA) - Winter 2002/2003

National Online TrialSearch Service To Be Launched
ACRIA is assuming operation of TrialSearch, the national online database of enrolling HIV clinical trails. TrialSearch has been part of the University of California San Francisco’s (UCSF) HIV InSite web site since 1997. Earlier this year, UCSF decided to reorient the focus of HIV InSite to primarily offer information on emerging HIV healthcare issues from an international perspective. TrialSearch has subsequently been removed from their service, and a new feature called TrialScope has taken its place to list HIV research sites worldwide.

UCSF did not want to abandon TrialSearch altogether. They’ve asked ACRIA to continue this service because our two organizations have collaborated on gathering HIV clinical trial information and because we already operate an online clinical trials directory for the New York State area. ACRIA agreed to develop the larger national database at www.acria.org within the next several months. 

ACRIA would like to thank UCSF and Mike Donnelly for their past work with us on disseminating vital HIV clinical trials information and for their vote of confidence as we expand our efforts in this area.

ResPAC Report Available
ACRIA is pleased to announce the availability of the Research Policy Advisory Committee’s (ResPAC) findings from their strategic planning meetings in 2002. The publication, HIV/AIDS Research Priorities for New York State: Epidemiology, Behavioral Sciences and Clinical, offers a unique perspective on the most urgent and high priority needs for studies within these various disciplines. ACRIA presented the ResPAC findings at the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute in January. Copies of the ResPAC report can be obtained by calling Salone Howard in ACRIA’s Research Department at (212) 924-3934 x 105 or by downloading the document at www.acria.org. 

Clinical Trials Community Education and Outreach

ACRIA has recently created a position to foster greater understanding of HIV clinical trials within underserved communities in New York City. 

It is widely recognized that people of color and women are less likely than other populations to learn about the clinical trials process or about opportunities to access experimental therapies. The fact that underserved communities are largely absent from HIV clinical trials is particularly disturbing since it is these individuals who are now most directly affected by HIV and AIDS. ACRIA’s new employee will address this problem by speaking to clients and staff of community-based organizations in all boroughs of New York City about the risks and benefits of participating in clinical research. Interestingly, the most responsive individuals at our presentations have so far been people living with HIV/AIDS, many of whom are not only learning for the first time that experimental therapies exist, but that they are not just accessible to those who are well connected to the healthcare establishment.

If you or your agency are interested in learning about the clinical trials process and new therapies, please call Philana Rowell in the Research Department at (212) 924-3934 x 125 to schedule an appointment.

ACRIA Provides Technical Assistance in Baltimore 

ACRIA brought our national technical assistance (TA) service to Baltimore, Maryland in October. The four-day intensive training helped over thirty community members and staff from seventeen area agencies develop the skills and knowledge to provide accurate and up-to-date HIV treatment information within their communities. ACRIA’s TA program has grown tremendously since its inaugural trip to San Diego in 2000. The training in Baltimore represented our second new TA site in 2002, and we are pleased to report that this was our most successful endeavor of its kind to date. Virtually every participant enthusiastically embraced ACRIA’s approach to health education for people living with HIV/AIDS. 

Our next TA session will be held in Madison, Wisconsin during the Spring of 2003. ACRIA’s goal in this area will again be to expand capacity of agencies to explain HIV treatment issues and to foster greater collaboration among local non-profits to support the health information needs of their clients. ACRIA would like to thank Ortho Biotech for its generous grants to help pay for the national TA program.

ENROLLING ACRIA TRIALS

Standard of Care Treatment vs. ZEST Once-Daily Regimen

This study will determine whether HIV-positive individuals on an initial HAART regimen with a twice-daily or more frequent dosing schedule can successfully switch to a once-daily regimen.

The drugs being studied are Zerit XR, Epivir and Sustiva (ZEST) once a day. Those qualified will either remain on their current medications, or switch to the once daily regimen ZEST. The study will last approximately 48 weeks, during which time participants will attend nine scheduled visits at ACRIA. All blood tests, study visits, and study medications (Zerit XR, Epivir & Sustiva), as well as medications from the Standard Of Care arm that are manufactured by the sponsor, will be provided at no charge to the participants. Prescriptions will be written for any other anti-HIV drug.

You are eligible if you are HIV-positive, age 18 or over, and on an initial HAART regimen (one or more NRTIs, at least one agent must have a twice-daily dosing schedule, and no NNRTI in the past or in current regimen) and have two consecutive viral loads of less then 50 copies/mL. The first viral load result must be at least 90 days before the screening visit.

Study participants will be reimbursed $25 for each of nine visits to ACRIA. 

For more information, contact Dr. Douglas Mendez at 212-924-3934 ext. 126 or Dr. Yuriy Akulov at 212-924-3934 ext. 124

RESIST 1: Randomized Evaluation of Strategic Intervention in Multi-Drug Resistant Patients with Tipranavir

This study will determine the safety and efficacy of tipranavir (a protease inhibitor) boosted with low-dose ritonavir in multiple antiretroviral drug-experienced patients.

This study can last approximately 48 weeks, with 10-12 visits to ACRIA. All blood tests, study visits, and study medications will be provided by the sponsor. All patients must have previously received treatment from each of the three antiretroviral classes, have received at least two protease inhibitor-based regimens, have a viral load great than 1000 copies/mL, and be on a protease inhibitor regimen at the time of study entry. To enter the study, patients must have at least one primary protease inhibitor mutation, but no more than two mutations on specific condons. 

Study participants will be reimbursed $25 for each visit. 

For more information contact Dr. Douglas Mendez at 212-924-3934 ext. 126 or Dr. Yuriy Akulov at 212-924-3934 ext. 124

Contributions

The following persons, corporations and organizations made major donations between September 16, 2002 and December 31, 2002 to support ACRIA's research and education efforts:

Thoughtful donations in memory of the following individuals:

Contributions in support of ACRIA's vital research initiatives were made in honor of the following individuals:

MASTHEAD

Editor in Chief
J Daniel Stricker 

Editor
James Learned 

Medical Editor
Jerome A. Ernst, MD 

Publications Manager
Mark Milano 

ACRIA Board of Directors
Ross Bleckner, President
Donald Kotler, MD, Vice President
Vincent Wm. Gagliostro, Secretary
Charles Franchino, DC, Treasurer
Marisa Cardinale
Bob Colacello
Douglas Dieterich, MD
Tiffany Dubin
Jason Heffner
Reinaldo Herrera
Kevin Krier
Adam Lippes
Martha Nelson
Maer Roshan

In Memoriam
Gary Bonasorte
Kiki Mason
David Seidner
George N. Stathakis

Medical Director
Jerome A. Ernst, MD

Executive Director
J Daniel Stricker

ACRIA is an independent, non-profit, community-based AIDS research and treatment education organization dedicated to rapidly improving the length and quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS. ACRIA studies new treatments for HIV-related diseases through its clinical research and conducts a comprehensive treatment education program. Bulk copies of ACRIA Update are available free to agencies that provide services to people living with HIV/AIDS. For more information, call Jonathan Deardoff at 212-924-3934 ext. 121. 

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