HIV Prevention Research Unit

National Institutes of Health and Family Health International: HIV Prevention Trials Unit (HPTN)
http://www.hptn.org

The Durban HIV Prevention Research Unit is one of the HIV Prevention Trials Units (HPTU) of the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN), which comprises a global network of investigators from various HPTU sites throughout the world. A leadership group made up of three US-based institutions, and various working groups and committees are charged with the scientific management and administrative support of the network. The global network of HIV Prevention Trials Units (HPTU), each comprising of a principal awardee and its affiliated sites, conducts trials in the six HPTN research areas. Scientific and community representatives from these sites participate fully in scientific decision making and the governance of the HPTN through membership in all working groups and committees.

The global HPTN research agenda focuses on six research areas:

	Antiretroviral therapies,
	Behavioural interventions,
	Microbicides,
	Perinatal,
	STD control, and
	Substance use

The Durban HPTU is currently participating in a prevention preparedness study (HPTN 055) taking place in Chatsworth, South of Durban, and in Hlabisa. The Unit will soon be embarking on a Phase II/IIb Microbicide clinical trial (HPTN 035) at the same sites. The Unit was also awarded a Phase III Nevirapine study which is taking place in Durban and has been sub-contracted to the University of Natal.