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Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University are participating in a study designed to compare the differences in responses by HIV-positive women and men to an HIV medication. Thomas Jefferson University is one of 50 clinical centers in the United States to participate.

Known as the GRACE (Gender, Race and Clinical Experience) trial, it is the largest clinical study conducted to date for women with HIV who have already received treatment. It will compare gender differences in the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of Prezista (darunavir) taken with other HIV medications over a 48-week treatment period. The study will enroll approximately 70 percent women and will also explore racial differences in treatment responses.

 “Today, women account for almost 30 percent of new HIV diagnoses in the United States,” says Kathleen Squires, M.D., principal investigator and director, Division of Infectious Diseases at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, “and rates of HIV infection are particularly high among women of color.

“Further, women have been underrepresented in HIV clinical trials,” says Dr. Squires, who is also professor of medicine, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, “despite research, suggesting that women may have different tolerability issues to HIV medications than men.”

Volunteers are needed who:

• have documented HIV-1 infection
• are age 18 and older
• have a viral load of 1,000 or greater
• have shown a previous intolerance or failure to prior therapy consisting of a PI or NNRTI-based HAART regimen of at least 12 weeks
• are able to comply with protocol requirements

Participants will receive the prescription medication darunavir and other HIV medications.

To learn more about how you can become involved with this trial, please call 215-503-9060.