Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA) - Summer 2003
ACRIA News
ACRIA Researcher Presents at Argentine Health Conference
ACRIA Senior Study Coordinator, Douglas Mendez, MD, recently presented on the research community's current understanding of lipodystrophy and HIV at the IV Argentine American Medical Congress.Dr. Mendez has been a valuable member of ACRIA's research team since 1996. His work here has been pivotal to a great many trials, including over two dozen that have tested promising anti-HIV therapies and treatments to counter side effects of HIV medications like abnormal body fat redistribution. At the same time, Dr. Mendez has been a leading advocate for more effective healthcare for HIV-positive Latinos. He has served as President of the Dominican Medical Association of New York, he is a Board Member of The Latino Health Care Advisory Network, and he is on the planning board for the UNAIDS-sponsored Caribbean HIV/AIDS Conference to be held in Jamaica in October 2003. ACRIA is extremely fortunate to have someone of Dr. Mendez's energy, drive and caring on our staff to help us improve healthcare for those in society who may be overlooked by the mainstream medical establishment. We are also very pleased that the medical community in Argentina could benefit from Dr. Mendez's experience with treating patients who are confronting the challenges of HIV.
ACRIA Finishes First Over 50 Study
The first in a series of ACRIA research initiatives on the HIV Over 50 population is complete. The study's goal was to conduct much needed research on this growing and neglected group. The over 50 population accounts for one-quarter of all PLWHAs in NYC. ACRIA researchers Andrew Shippy, MA and Stephen Karpiak, PhD recruited 160 individuals aged 50-76. The study population was 66% male and 33% female, and 89% were people of color. We were able to recruit participants from the five boroughs of New York City. Consequently our sample reflects today's epidemic. The study measured multiple variables that are now being analyzed for publication. Initial findings indicate that age markedly compounds difficulties in accessing services. Formal social support services may be more important for older adults with HIV/AIDS since the study indicates that they have fewer friends and relatives for support compared to younger people.In Memory of Laura Payeur
ACRIA recently received a gift from Laura Payeur who was just 24 years old when she died in an automobile accident on March 3rd, 2003. Although we did not know Ms. Payeur, we've subsequently learned of her deep commitment to the care and nurturing of children. It was her wish in life to also in some way support AIDS research, and this is how her parents have decided to honor their daughter's memory with a significant donation to ACRIA. HIV and AIDS has far too frequently caused the untimely death of many thousands of young people in the United States and across the world. We are deeply touched by Ms. Payeur's desire to extend the lives of so many people who live under the threat of also dying so tragically early in life. ACRIA will do everything in our power to honor Ms. Payeur through our research program this year.
ACRIA Selected To Create Hepatitis C Training Materials
ACRIA has been selected by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to develop comprehensive tools for use in the training of service providers about hepatitis C (HCV). The purpose of this initiative is to help local social service organizations to incorporate HCV prevention information, care and treatment services into existing client programs.
In addition to describing HCV transmission, disease progression and treatment options, the detailed curriculum includes interactive exercises to help training participants develop the tools necessary to successfully integrate HCV issues into existing programs. ACRIA is also creating a technical assistance guide to help agencies develop appropriate HCV-related counseling messages. Finally, ACRIA is producing a promotional brochure for the DOHMH's use in explaining the new program.
ACRIA is pleased to have been selected for this major project because it demonstrates the city's confidence in our understanding of HCV issues as well as our capacity to create practical tools for educating non-medical care providers about complex medical issues. We expect to have all training and promotional materials for the DOHMH completed by August 2003.
Standard of Care Treatment vs. ZEST Once-Daily Regimen
This trial will study whether people on their first HAART regimen who take their drugs two or more times a day can switch to a once-daily regimen. People in the trial will either remain on their current medications, or switch to Zerit XR, Epivir and Sustiva (ZEST) taken once daily. They will visit ACRIA 9 times over 11 months. 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) with a viral load below 50. Study participants will be reimbursed $25 for each visit.
RESIST 1: Tipranavir in Multi-Drug Resistant Patients
This trial will study the safety and efficacy of tipranavir (a protease inhibitor) boosted with low-dose ritonavir in people who have taken multiple antiretrovirals. This study lasts about 11 months, with 10-12 visits to ACRIA. All blood tests, study visits, and study medications will be provided by the sponsor. All patients must have taken drugs from each of the three antiretroviral classes, have taken at least two protease inhibitors, have a viral load over 1,000, and must currently be taking a protease inhibitor. Patients who do not qualify will be screened for RESIST II, another trial of tipranavir. Participants will be reimbursed $25 for each visit.
For the above trials, contact Dr. Douglas Mendez at 212-924-3934 ext. 126 or Dr. Yuriy Akulov at 212-924-3934 ext. 124.
Social Networks Study
We have completed the first phase of enrollment for this study. Results from this study will be available soon on our website. If you want to participate in future HIV Over 50 studies, contact Salone Howard at 212-924-3934 x105 or email showard@acria.org.
Using Complementary Treatments to Manage HIV/AIDS
People in this study will be interviewed and complete a brief survey about treatments other than antiretrovirals, such as supplements, exercise, acupuncture, herbal remedies, as well as who provides the treatments, how often they use them, and if they feel they are helpful. Participation will require approximately 90 minutes, and people receive $25 for their time. To qualify, people must be HIV+, using HAART for at least a year, and be using other treatments for HIV/AIDS. To enroll, call Philana Rowell at 212-924-3934 x125 or email prowell@acria.org.
HIV Over 50 Database
ACRIA is currently establishing a large cohort to conduct research on HIV+ people over 50. If you would like to be included in this database, please contact Salone Howard at 212-924-3934 x105 or email showard@acria.org.
Web Research Study
This internet survey studies the extent to which HIV service providers may benefit from HIV prevention programs or programs designed to assist them in other areas of their job. Visit www.acria.org to participate.
Due to a printer error, some copies of the Spring 2003 issue of ACRIA Update were missing some pages and included duplicates of others.
If you received a misprinted copy of More Than the Virus: OIs, Metabolic Complications & AIDS-Related Cancers, please call (212) 924-3934 extension 121 or email treatmented@acria.org and we'll gladly send you a replacement copy.
ACRIA Update is a free publication for people living with HIV and service providers. Bulk copies of the newsletter are available free to agencies that provide services to people living with HIV/AIDS. To be added to our mailing list, call us at (212) 924-3934 extension 121 or email: treatmented@acria.org.
ACRIA is collaborating with researchers from Indiana University on a study of issues facing those who work or volunteer for HIV organizations. If you work in an HIV prevention or HIV care program, we invite you to participate in this exciting study. The purpose of this study is to better understand the extent to which HIV service providers may benefit from HIV prevention programs or programs designed to assist them in other areas of their job.
Participation is completely anonymous and voluntary. Completion of the survey will occur via the internet and will take approximately 20 minutes. Visit the ACRIA website if you want to participate, www.acria.org.
December 11-14 in Phoenix, Arizona
Registration & Scholarship Information
Again this year, ACRIA is a co-sponsor of the North American AIDS Treatment Action Forum (NATAF), which takes place December 11-14 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The conference, sponsored by the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC), provides treatment advocates, activists, educators and people living with HIV the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of HIV treatment issues, build advocacy skills, and develop strategies to advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS within their communities, nationally and internationally. A limited number of scholarships to NATAF 2003 are available.
To register for the conference, apply for a scholarship, or for more information, visit the NMAC website (www.nmac.org) or call ACRIA at (212) 924-3934 extension 121 and we'll send you a brochure.
The following persons, corporations and organizations made major donations between April 1, 2003 and June 15, 2003 to support ACRIA's research and education efforts:
Abbott Laboratories
Anne Klein
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals
Bristol Myers Squibb Company
The Bloomingdale's Fund of the Federated Department Stores Foundation
GlaxoSmithKline
Mark D. Fields
Tom Gladwell and Andy Reynolds
Kelly Klein
Ortho Biotech
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Payeur
Rainbow Endowment
Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
Sotheby's
VIAAC
Thoughtful donations in memory of the following individuals:
Laura Payeur
Charles Reynolds
Contributions in support of ACRIA's vital research initiatives were made in honor of the following individuals:
Kathy Finley & Doug Landy's engagement Daisy Graciano
J Daniel Stricker
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
Dolores Witherspoon-Cozier
In Memoriam
Gary Bonasorte
Kiki Mason
David Seidner
George N. Stathakis
Medical Director
Jerome A. Ernst, MD
Executive Director
J Daniel Stricker
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