There is a critical need to conduct studies which address HIV-related treatment issues among representative samples of drug users, in order to achieve improved clinical management of infected drug users. Research is needed on behavioral, clinical, and pharmacological aspects of treatment medications specific to drug users, including drug interactions, therapeutic efficacy and effectiveness, and psychosocial and behavioral parameters associated with success or failure of a therapeutic protocol. Applications from women and minority investigators are encouraged. Research grants are awarded to institutions on behalf of Principal Investigators. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the applicant.
Continued support is subject to availability of funds and progress achieved.
Because the nature and scope of the research proposed in response to this Program Announcement may vary, it is anticipated that the size of an award will also vary. A focused effort at recruitment from established NIDA-sponsored drug treatment programs was made by selected ACTG sites. Although this initial effort was important in demonstrating the feasibility of enrolling drug users in formal efficacy trials, it was not intended to address the many issues specific to implementation of HIV-related therapeutic protocols among drug users. Its purpose is to stimulate research on HIV-related therapeutics among a larger and more representative sample of drug users in a variety of settings. Research to enhance the effectiveness of services to improve linkage between drug abuse treatment and HIV-related therapeutics, including the level of involvement of service providers, provision and coordination of services, and effective patient utilization of the case management system.