Current Studies

CMV-specific HIV-CAR T cells as Immunotherapy for HIV (Phase I trial for an HIV cure) 

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

COPE: An Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Trial of Pramipexole versus Escitalopram to Treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Comorbid MDD with Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (MND) in Persons with HIV

Living with HIV and struggling with depression or both depression and memory problems? We are looking for participants for a research study comparing two medications: pramipexole extended release (ER) and escitalopram.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Living with HIV
• Ages 18 to 70 years old
• Diagnosed with major depressive disorder
• On stable HIV treatment for at least 3 months
• Not currently taking antidepressants

CUATRO: A Phase III, Randomized, Open-label Study of Cabotegravir Ultra Long-acting Plus Rilpivirine Ultra Long-acting or Cabotegravir Long-acting Plus Rilpivirine Long-acting in Adults and Adolescents With HIV Who Are Virologically Suppressed on ART

The goal of this study is to test if new, ultra long-acting versions of injectable cabotegravir + rilpivirine given every 4 months are effective for controlling HIV compared with standard cabotegravir + rilpivirine (Cabenuva) given every 2 months. Participants will receive either the standard long-acting treatment or the investigational ultra long-acting dosing.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Adults and adolescents aged 12 years or older with HIV
• Must be well-controlled on current daily oral antiretroviral regimen for at least 6 months uninterrupted prior to screening
• Willing to switch to an injectable HIV medication regimen
• No prior experience with injectable cabotegravir + rilpivirine or any long-acting treatment

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)

Menopausal Hormone Therapy for Women Living with HIV (HoT)

We are testing a menopausal hormone therapy for hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms. The study lasts up to 5 months. Menopausal hormone therapy consists of a transdermal estradiol gel (to be rubbed on skin) and a progesterone pill.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Women living with HIV
• Ages 40 to 60
• Perimenopausal or postmenopausal
• Experiencing hot flashes or night sweats

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

No active studies at this time.

No active studies at this time.

CHAMPION: Combining HIV and Meth Prevention and Treatment Interventions Optimized for HIV-Negative MSM

This research study is being conducted to find out how a mobile application (app) intervention, called CHAMPION app, can help people use PrEP and reduce methamphetamine (meth) use. The study will ask about your environment, sexual behaviors, substance use, and other social factors. More about the CHAMPION study.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Men who have sex with men
• Age 18 to 40 years old
• Living in San Diego or San Francisco
• Use meth and take PrEP