About Our Research Program
Under the direction of division chief Jeffrey M. Jacobson, M.D., the Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine is expanding our translational research program, and investigating cutting-edge technologies, vaccines, and therapeutic treatments for the management and prevention of HIV and other infectious diseases. Current and pending research studies involve close collaborations with DUCOM's Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Department of Emergency Medicine, as well as the Drexel University School of Public Health.
Lab Research
Michele Kutzler, Ph.D., is currently investigating the development of DNA vaccines, therapeutics to treat Clostidium difficile, and the immune responses of intravenous drug users. In addition, her lab processes specimens from the Division's clinical research studies. See Dr. Kutzler's biosketch.
Clinical Research
These are some of our current clinical studies. Participants who are entered into any of the studies will be compensated for time, travel, and meals. Please contact Sharon Lewis, R.N., at 215-762-3251.
DENDRITIC VACCINE STUDY
Sponsor: Argos
Purpose: To establish a group of subjects in an anti-HIV medication study for the purposes of making a personalized HIV vaccine
Summary: Patient's own virus will be mixed with dendritic cells to make a customized vaccine
Eligibility Criteria
□ HIV-infected men or women
□ Age: 18-60
□ CD4: over 200
□ Viral load: >15,000
□ Have been off antirretroviral medications for at least 12 weeks prior to study
Exclusion Criteria
□ Have had a positive test for Hepatitis C or B
□ Have had a positive test for syphilis
Please contact Sharon Lewis, R.N., at 215-762-3251.
ELITE CONTROLLER STUDY
Sponsor: Investigator-initiated with University of Montreal
Purpose: To evaluate patients who have been able to control the progression of HIV for long periods without the use of ART.
Summary: White blood cells, obtained through leukapheresis, will be studied for HIV immune response.
Eligibility Criteria
□ HIV-infected men or women
□ Age: 18-75
□ CD4: any
□ Viral load: less than 100
□ ART-naïve (no history of taking HIV medications)
Exclusion Criteria
□ Have had clinical progression to AIDS
□ Have a history of taking HIV medications
□ Have poor peripheral veins and unable to have leukapheresis
Please contact Sharon Lewis, R.N., at 215-762-3251. |