About AIDS

Worried about your HIV drug cocktail making you look strange, perhaps thin in the face but pot-bellied? Central Texas Clinical Research (CTCR) is seeking HIV-infected individuals for a new study on an experimental treatment for lipodystrophy, one of the thorniest side-effects of anti-HIV medications.

Simply stated, lipodystrophy occurs when the body loses its ability to properly deal with fats. Manifestations vary; the most common include fat loss in the face and arms; fat stored inappropriately around the waist or between the shoulder blades; and high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which may cause early heart disease. NIH significantly associates lipodystrophy with taking protease inhibitors and non-nukes; HIV's own role is unclear.

CTCR's study will involve 10 visits over 36 weeks. Qualifying participants will receive free medical exams and get paid $20 per visit. Participants must have a diagnosis of HIV infection and of lipodystrophy and they must have been stable on their meds, without having changed drugs, for at least 30 days.

There are a few conditions which will exclude someone from participating: a history of cancer (except for Kaposi's sarcoma), sleep apnea, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, angina, or coronary artery disease.

Here's a chance to contribute to the well-being of HIV+ people and even get paid for your time. Drug approval moves like molasses, but if it works, perhaps you may get to use it someday, too!

To find out if you can help in this goal, call Central Texas Clinical Research at 480-9660.