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S H A R E
(Study to Help the AIDS Research Effort) is
Recruiting M E N
For the first time in 10 years, the SHARE study is recruiting
new participants. SHARE is part of the longest-running and largest
HIV research study in the U.S. This is a unique opportunity to
contribute to the knowledge of HIV disease and HIV therapy over
a lifetime. SHARE is NOT a treatment study and does NOT involve
taking experimental medicines. You will continue to receive your
medical care from your own medical care provider.
WHO'S ELIGIBLE:
· MEN!
· Must be 18 years of age or older
WHAT'S INVOLVED:
· 2 initial visits:
Screening visit - an initial screening visit about 30 minutes
long. If you are eligible, you will be given an appointment for
an enrollment visit.
Enrollment visit - a full visit about 2-3 hours long and includes
$25 reimbursement for time and effort
· 2 study visits per year - each visit lasts from 1-3
hours
· Private interview
· Lab testing (for HIV, viral load and other infections
like hepatitis)
· Physical exam
· $25 reimbursement for time and effort
BENEFITS OF JOINING:
· Help researchers better understand HIV infection and
AIDS, including the long-term effects of HIV medicines
· Free and confidential laboratory testing (includes T
cell count and viral load)
· Free physical exams and health referrals
· Flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends
in Baltimore or DC
· A friendly, supportive environment with light refreshments
To volunteer or for more information, please contact SHARE at
410.955.7090 or toll free,
1.866.392.8991.
Principal Investigator: Joseph Margolick, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins
Bloomberg School of Public Health
Additional Information about SHARE and the Program:
WHO WE ARE:
SHARE, the Study to Help the AIDS Research Effort, has been ongoing
for the last 18 years, and is one of four sites of the Multicenter
AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). Other sites are located in Los Angeles,
Chicago, and Pittsburgh. The sites were funded in 1983 by the
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
to investigate the natural history of a new infection that seemed
to target gay men.
WHAT WE DO: The study seeks to:
· Characterize the range of responses to HAART (Highly
Active Antiretroviral Therapy), with special emphasis on the disease
stage at which HAART is taken;
· Define the effect of HAART on clinical outcomes i.e.,
AIDS, infections, etc.;
· Compare clinical outcomes in people who receive HAART
and those who do not;
· Characterize the long-term adverse effects and treatment-related
effects of HAART;
· Describe long-term patterns of HAART use; and
· Ascertain long-term patterns of behavior that can lead
to the spread of HIV infection.
WHO WE WANT:
· HIV+ and HIV- men
· If HIV+ and taking HAART, we require proof of HAART initiation
· Men who are 18 years of age or older
WHAT'S INVOLVED:
· 2 initial visits:
Screening visit - an initial screening visit about 30 minutes
long. If you are eligible, you will be given an appointment for
an enrollment visit.
Enrollment visit - a full visit about 2-3 hours long and includes
$25 reimbursement for time and effort
· 2 study visits per year - each visit lasts from 1-3 hours
· Private interview
· Lab testing (for HIV, viral load and other infections
like hepatitis)
· Physical exam
· $25 reimbursement for time and effort
WHAT'S NOT INVOLVED:
· No experimental drugs or invasive procedures
BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION:
· Helping researchers better understand HIV infection and
AIDS including the long-term effects of HIV medicines
· Confidentiality/privacy; study participants receive study
identification numbers
· Free physical examinations and health assessments
· Free laboratory testing - HIV, viral load and other infections
· Free health referrals
· Flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends
in Baltimore or DC
· A friendly, supportive environment with light refreshments
· $25 reimbursement per visit for time and effort
STUDY CONTRIBUTIONS
· 1986 - MACS investigators begin to develop standards
for progression. MACS substudy on neurological aspects of HIV.
· 1987 - MACS standardizes lab procedures, contributing
to HIV research worldwide. MACS verifies risky sex factors for
HIV seroconversion.
· 1988 - MACS data begins to document markers and mechanisms
of HIV effects on the immune system. Data supports the development
of humane public health policy towards the AIDS epidemic.
· 1989 - MACS defines and identifies risk of PCP, and data
on PCP recurrence contributes to the development of guidelines
for PCP prophylaxis. Many lives are saved.
· 1990 - MACS data defines incidence of Kaposi's Sarcoma
and shows potential genetic factors in rapid HIV progression.
· 1991 - MACS virologists document genetic sub-strains
of HIV. MACS data begins to document longer survival times for
HIV infected individuals. MACS studies document the economic impact
of HIV-1 infection. MACS data on brain cytokines help develop
an understanding of AIDS dementia.
· 1995-7 - MACS data define high predictive value for HIV
viral load measurements. These data are instrumental in developing
treatment guidelines for HIV and AIDS, based on viral load and
CD4 cell count.
· 1997-present - MACS data and specimens contribute to
further understanding of how a person's genetic makeup influences
acquisition and progression of HIV infection.
· 1998-present - MACS data are used in the development
of designs for trials of candidate HIV vaccines.
· 1999 - MACS studies document patterns of HIV evolution
and stages of disease progression that occur if HIV is not treated.
· 2000-present - MACS studies of lipodystrophy and complications
of anti-HIV medications begin to define patterns of complications,
and provide the impetus for new expansion of the MACS cohort to
continue these studies.
· 2001 -- MACS data contribute to revised guidelines for
treatment of HIV infection.
For more information about SHARE, please call us at: 410.955.7090.
This project has been funded by the National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases, with additional supplemental funding
from the National Cancer Institute. Joseph B. Margolick, MD, PhD,
Professor, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, is
the Principal Investigator.
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