Why Participate?

Chance to participate in cutting edge research to advance clinical care for the community
Help change the future of clinical care
No cost to receive any of the study treatments or care
Compensation for your time and effort for participating

Today's volunteers help us find tomorrow's answers!

Treatment for HIV and other infections like COVID-19 and MPOX are better today than ever before because of individuals just like you who chose to participate in clinical trials!

However, challenges still remain. Our efforts to find a cure and improve the lives of all people living with HIV and other infections must continue.

Since 1987, we’ve conducted clinical trials at the UWPR and have consistently been part of breakthrough research that leads to better care for everyone.

Many of our studies are chosen, designed and conducted with guidance from our Community Advisory Board

Participating in a study is an important decision. We hope that our team — along with talking with your doctor, a family member, or a friend — will help you better understand what it means to participate in research.

Role of Clinical Research

Clinical Research at UWPR includes two different types of research: Clinical Trials and Observational Studies

Clinical trials are carefully designed research studies that test a medical intervention in people.
- They are designed to answer specific questions about the safety and effectiveness of treatment in people.
- Clinical trials may study experimental medications or FDA-approved medications used in new ways or in new combinations.
- They may also study ways to help people manage their HIV medications and the long-term general health of people living with HIV.

Results of these studies have helped establish the standard for the management of HIV and form the basis of current treatment guidelines.

This progress in the treatment for people living with HIV has resulted in dramatic reductions in AIDS-related deaths in the U.S. and other countries of the developed world.

Observation studies will monitor participants in normal settings. This means there is no medical intervention, such a treatment.
- The purpose of this type of study is for researchers to gather information from participants and compare changes over time. This may help identify new treatments or prevention strategies to then test in a clinical trial.

Our Commitment to You

A study visit at the UWPR will include a variety of examinations depending on the study, such as:
- physical examinations
- laboratory tests
- questionnaires
- direct and personalized time with a research clinician

Monitor and evaluate your physical health and response to any study treatment you may receive.

Keep you informed of any new information about study medications you are taking, and advancements toward a cure or vaccine.

Share the study results with you once the study has completed.

Progress in conquering HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and other infections is a team effort, and you are a critical and much appreciated part of that team!

MAGIC JOHNSON, LIVING WITH HIV FOR 30+ YEARS

On November 7, 1991, the basketball star Earvin “Magic” Johnson announced he was living with HIV.

Spencer Lieb, a senior epidemiologist and HIV/AIDS research coordinator for the Florida Consortium for HIV/AIDS Reseach told Life's Little Mysteries, "Magic got a jumpstart on experimental drugs before they were released to the general public, but there were many people in clinical trials benefitting at the same time."

Through clinical research, Magic Johnson and many other people living with HIV who volunteered, were able to have access to experimental HIV medication, called antiretrovirals (ARV) medications, before they were available to the public.

To the left, UWPR Director Emerita, Ann Collier met Magic Johnson at the National CFAR Meeting in Miami, Florida (2013)