AIDS Clinical Trials Group

AIDS Clinical Trials Group

The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) is a network of clinical research sites that conduct studies to investigate the treatment and management of HIV/AIDS. 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). The ACTG is one of the largest and longest-running HIV research networks in the world.

History

The ACTG was formed in response to the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. The primary goal was to develop and test new treatments for HIV infection and its complications. Over the years, the ACTG has played a pivotal role in the development of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and has contributed to significant advances in the understanding and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Structure

The ACTG network consists of numerous clinical research sites located in the United States and internationally. These sites collaborate on a wide range of clinical trials, focusing on various aspects of HIV/AIDS treatment and management. The network is overseen by a central coordinating center, which ensures the standardization and quality of the research conducted.

Research Focus

The ACTG conducts clinical trials in several key areas:

• **Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)**: Evaluating new antiretroviral drugs and treatment regimens to improve the efficacy and reduce the side effects of HIV treatment.
• **Opportunistic Infections**: Investigating treatments for infections that commonly affect individuals with weakened immune systems due to HIV.
• **HIV-Associated Complications**: Studying the management of complications related to HIV, such as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
• **Cure Research**: Exploring strategies to achieve a functional cure or complete eradication of HIV from the body.

Achievements

The ACTG has been instrumental in several landmark studies that have shaped the current standards of HIV care. Some of the notable achievements include:

• Demonstrating the efficacy of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), which has become the standard of care for HIV treatment.
• Identifying effective treatments for opportunistic infections such as Pneumocystis pneumonia and Cytomegalovirus retinitis.
• Contributing to the understanding of HIV drug resistance and the development of resistance testing protocols.

Collaborations

The ACTG collaborates with other research networks, pharmaceutical companies, and international organizations to enhance the scope and impact of its research. These collaborations facilitate the sharing of knowledge and resources, ultimately benefiting the global fight against HIV/AIDS.

Future Directions

The ACTG continues to evolve, focusing on emerging challenges in HIV treatment and prevention. Current and future research priorities include:

• Developing long-acting antiretroviral formulations to improve adherence and reduce the frequency of dosing.
• Investigating the impact of HIV on aging and the management of age-related comorbidities in people living with HIV.
• Advancing cure research to find a definitive solution to HIV infection.

See Also

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