AIDS Clinical Trials Group

AIDS Clinical Trials Group

AIDS Clinical Trials Group logo

The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) is a leading organization dedicated to conducting clinical trials in the field of HIV/AIDS research. Established in 1987, the ACTG is funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States. The group plays a crucial role in the development of new treatments and strategies to combat HIV/AIDS and its associated complications.

History

The ACTG was formed in response to the urgent need for coordinated clinical research to address the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. Initially, the group focused on evaluating antiretroviral therapies and understanding the pathogenesis of HIV. Over the years, the scope of the ACTG has expanded to include studies on opportunistic infections, co-infections such as hepatitis C, and other complications associated with HIV.

Research Focus

The primary mission of the ACTG is to improve the treatment and management of HIV infection and its complications. The group conducts a wide range of clinical trials, including:

• Antiretroviral Therapy Trials: Evaluating new antiretroviral drugs and combinations to improve efficacy and reduce side effects.
• Opportunistic Infection Studies: Investigating treatments for infections that occur more frequently or are more severe in people with weakened immune systems.
• Co-Infection Research: Studying the interactions between HIV and other infections, such as tuberculosis and hepatitis.
• Cure Research: Exploring strategies aimed at achieving a functional cure or complete eradication of HIV.

Structure and Collaboration

The ACTG is composed of a network of clinical research sites located in the United States and internationally. These sites collaborate with a wide range of partners, including academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and community organizations. The group is governed by a leadership team that includes experts in various fields of HIV research.

Impact and Achievements

The ACTG has been instrumental in the development of many of the antiretroviral therapies that are currently used to treat HIV. The group's research has contributed to significant improvements in the life expectancy and quality of life for people living with HIV. Additionally, the ACTG has played a key role in establishing treatment guidelines and standards of care for HIV/AIDS.

Related Pages

• HIV/AIDS
• Antiretroviral therapy
• Opportunistic infection
• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
• National Institutes of Health