Optimizing Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV

University Of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): My career goals are to 1) conduct high quality clinical studies to identify optimal strategies for managing antiretroviral therapy, with an emphasis on the use of antiretroviral therapy in women;2) to expand my research focus to include the study of mechanisms of atherosclerosis in HIV and;3) to develop novel methods for mentoring trainees in patient-oriented research. These goals will be achieved through the conduct of randomized clinical trials and through nested mechanistic studies. The Specific Aims of my research program include: Aim 1. To identify the optimal ART regimens for women of childbearing age both domestically and internationally. Aim 2. To examine the effects of ART-related changes in immune function and inflammation on endothelial function and atherosclerosis progression in HIV infected adults starting ART. Aim 3. To examine the impact of the substitution of the integrase inhibitor, raltegravir on lipohypertrophy in women with HIV infection who are currently receiving either a protease inhibitor or non-nucleoside based treatment regimen. The studies that provide the framework for my research and mentoring include 1) A randomized trial comparing the response to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor based treatment to protease inhibitor therapy among women who have and have not been previously exposed to nevirapine;2) A randomized trial comparing three compact regimens for initial therapy that does not include efavirenz;3) A sub-study nested into the trial described in 2) designed to measure changes in carotid intima medial thickness and brachial reactivity;4) A randomized trial evaluating the efficacy of raltegravir substitution for protease inhibitor or NNRTI based ART for the management of lipohypertrophy in women.