Restructure for Federal AIDS Research

Abstract

FEDERAL AIDS RESEARCH faces a major overhaul after a new report called for an infusion of scientific talent, strengthened coordination among research programs, consolidation of clinical trials, and a revamped vaccine research initiative. In an unprecedented review of the $1.4 billion AIDS research effort at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 114 scientists, academics, pharmaceutical representatives, and community advocates have issued a sometimes unflattering report with dozens of recommendations intended as a blueprint for restructuring federal AIDS research. "Mainly I'm looking at those recommendations that alter the direction we're taking in research, and the mechanisms by which we do the research," said NIH Director Harold Varmus, MD, in explaining plans for implementation. "This really is an extraordinary effort," added William Paul, MD, director of the Office of AIDS Research (OAR) at the NIH. "We've reached a turning point in AIDS research. We've made a major effort and attained a lot