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What is an HIV/AIDS clinical trial?
Frequent Questions about Clinical Trials
Frequent Questions about Vaccine Research
Other Research Frequent Questions
What is an HIV/AIDS clinical trial?
HIV/AIDS clinical trials are research studies in which new therapies and prevention strategies for HIV infection and AIDS are tested in humans. These studies are conducted by physicians and other health care professionals and can help determine the usefulness of experimental drugs and vaccines in treating or preventing HIV infection. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to help find treatments and prevention strategies that work. For more information read the What is an HIV/AIDS Clinical Trial? – PDF – 40 KB (AIDSinfo) | En español – PDF – 44 KB
Frequent Questions about Clinical Trials
Frequently Asked Questions about Clinical Trials (AIDSinfo)
Choosing to participate in a clinical trial is an important personal decision. This FAQ will provide you with detailed information about clinical trials. In addition, it is often helpful to talk to your health care provider, family members, or friends about deciding to join a trial. AIDSinfo health information specialists are available by phone to help you identify clinical trials for which you may be eligible and to answer your questions. After you have identified some trial options, the next step is to contact the research staff and ask questions about specific trials.
- What is an HIV/AIDS clinical trial?
- What is a protocol?
- What are clinical trial phases?
- What protections are there for people who participate in clinical trials?
- What is informed consent?
- Who can participate in a clinical trial?
- Who sponsors clinical trials?
- What happens during a clinical trial?
- What is a placebo?
- What is a control or control group?
- What is a blinded study?
- What is a double-blind study?
- What are side effects and adverse reactions?
- What are the benefits and risks associated with clinical trials?
- What should I know before I join a clinical trial?
- How should I prepare for the meeting with the research coordinator or doctor?
- What questions should I ask?
- Should I continue working with my primary health care provider if I participate in a trial?
- Can I leave a clinical trial after it has begun?
- Will I be paid for participating in a clinical trial?
- How to find information about clinical trials on HIV and AIDS?
Frequent Questions about Vaccine Research
Research for an HIV Vaccine is important for the long-term eradication of HIV/AIDS. For a successful vaccine to be developed, researchers depend on volunteers to take part in studies.
- FAQS for Potential Volunteers in HIV Vaccine Research
- HIV Vaccine Questions and Answers for HIV Treatment Advocates
Other Research Frequent Questions
FAQs from Applicants about Human Subject Research (Office of Extramural Research, NIH)
Frequently Asked Questions from NIH grant applicants regarding what is defined as human subject research and the regulations regarding human subject research.
Questions and Answers about Research Funding (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, NIH)
These questions and answers are interactive resources, often based on actual questions from the research community and NIAID staff. They give short answers and link to more in-depth information elsewhere on the Research Funding site.