These drugs were proven to work because people with HIV helped test them. Most studies today compare an investigational drug or set of drugs with the one now being used to see which treatment works better. To participate in an AIDS clinical trial, an individual must qualify for a study. Qualifications are different for each study and may include a person's age, symptoms and past treatments. The ACTU will evaluate all interested HIV-positive volunteers for possible inclusion in clinical trials.
People choose to participate in clinical trials for many reasons.
Clinical trials can be a treatment option or enhance treatment. Participants in a trial are followed closely by the same medical team. When a medicine is proven to work, all those participating in a trial are the first to benefit. All or most of the treatment drugs and tests given in the trial are free. A clinical trial may benefit the participant by offering a new treatment for the disease, improved health or a way to feel better.