Current Studies
The AVRC is actively recruiting for the following studies:
Last updated September 2, 2025
HIV
This is a first in-human, open-label pilot study that does not have a placebo and focuses on evaluating the safety and feasibility of CMV/HIV-CAR T cells in people with HIV as a promising method to effectively eliminate the virus. Eligible participants temporarily interrupt their ART regimen for 4 days to facilitate the production of the CAR T cells. After this, each participant receives an intravenous infusion of autologous CMV/HIV-CAR T cells at study entry and is followed very closely over the next two years, which includes a thorough evaluation of potential toxicities, their nature, frequency, severity, timing, and duration. More about CMV-specific HIV-CAR T cells.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Be a person with HIV and 18 years of age or older with undetectable HIV viral loads for the past 48 weeks.
- Must have a caregiver that can live with the participant for two weeks in Duarte, CA (Los Angeles County).
- Not be pregnant or breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant.
- Be willing to temporarily interrupt your ART regimen for four days before leukapheresis.
- Maintain a CD4+ cell count of 450 or higher.
- No previous AIDS diagnosis.
Last Gift
People at the end of their lives often have a unique perspective on life, death and altruism, and may hold the keys to curing HIV. This study takes the next steps in finding a cure for HIV by understanding how reservoirs are distributed throughout the body. More about the Last Gift Study.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Living with HIV and age 18 years or older
- Agree to body tissue donation after death
- Have been diagnosed with a life-shortening illness (e.g. cancer, ALS)
WE RISE (Women-focused Encounters for Resilience, Independence, Strength, and Eudaimonia)
An 8-week group-based exercise, therapy, and social support intervention focused on common concerns for women living with HIV (e.g. stigma, trauma, substance use).
Eligibility requirements include:
- Female living with HIV
- Age 18 years or older
- Challenges in taking medications as prescribed
- Current or past use of drugs and other substances (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, etc.)
- Current or past experiences of trauma
- Able to understand English or Spanish
COVID-19
No active studies at this time.
Medical Diagnostics
This research study seeks to test the performance of an investigational blood analyzer to make routine health tests convenient and get results fast. Eligible participants will receive $75 as compensation for a clinic visit and blood draw.
Eligibility requirements include:
- You are at least 18 years old.
- Healthy volunteers with no chronic medical conditions.
Mpox
No active studies at this time.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP or HIV prevention)
No active studies at this time.
Participate in a Study
Community members interested in participating in a study should contact the Screening Coordinator:
Screening Coordinator
(619) 543-8080