The Clinical Investigation Core serves the needs of all the members of the NCCFAR. This Core advises users of trial design, prepares research protocols, assists in Institutional Review Board (IRB) and regulatory submission, conducts clinical research related to HIV and related infections, and keeps all records needed in the performance of Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

The Clinical Investigative Core is open to all members of the NCCFAR, and is located at the Bulkley Building in Sacramento, California. The Clinical Investigative Core supports all relevant research projects whose focus is on HIV-1 or related infections. The specific emphasis areas of the Clinical Investigative Core are those which will maximize the research activities of the probable users, both established and junior faculty.

These are to:

• Conduct trials that will evaluate HIV-1 vaccines, and to test vaccine concepts using novel adjuvants, vectors, or delivery systems;
• Conduct studies on immune response function and immunologic restoration during HIV-1 infection;
• Assess virologic correlates of disease progression;
• Study and improve outreach to patient populations and health care providers, especially minority, migrants, and the rural populations;
• Perform Health Services research to study the effectiveness and cost-benefit of our care and interventions;
• Foster studies in HIV-1 and STD prevention research, including prevention of the related conditions that may increase high-risk behavior, such as injecting drug use;
• Conduct studies in infections, malignancies, or other conditions related to HIV-1 infection or therapy;
• Foster mentoring of junior and foreign investigators; and
• Assist in pharmacologic studies of HIV therapies.

Clinical trials being conducted in Infectious Diseases, UCD Health System