ICAP CTU
ICAP at Columbia University Clinical Trials UnitICAP at Columbia University Clinical Trials Unit (ICAP CTU)
An innovative and comprehensive approach to HIV prevention and therapeutic research.
While much has been achieved in the global response to the HIV epidemic, enormous challenges remain. Only 60% of people living with HIV have access to treatment, and 1.7 million new HIV infections were reported in 2019. In sub-Saharan Africa, elimination of mother-to-child transmission has stalled, men and youth lag in knowledge of HIV status, and four of five new infections among adolescents occur among girls and young women. In addition, Black and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) and women of color are disproportionately at risk for HIV infection.
Led by Wafaa El-Sadr, MD, MPH, MPA and Jessica Justman, MD, the ICAP at Columbia University Clinical Trials Unit (ICAP CTU) aims to support the design and implementation of research to address these gaps in the global HIV response. The ICAP CTU is one of the clinical trial units funded by the US National Institutes of Health, and it includes three clinical research sites (CRS): two in New York City, situated in Harlem and Bronx, and one in Eswatini. The Harlem and Bronx Prevention Centers serve priority populations of great relevance to the current HIV epidemic in the US, including Black and Latino MSM, women of color, young people, and people who inject drugs. The Eswatini Prevention Center, situated in the country with the highest HIV prevalence in the world, engages adolescents, women, men, and key populations in clinical trials.
With its highly experienced and skilled staff, the ICAP CTU pursues an innovative and comprehensive approach to HIV prevention and therapeutic research that tailors tools and strategies to the demographic characteristics, behavioral risks, co-morbidities, and life circumstances of persons living with or at risk of acquiring HIV. Research at the ICAP CTU-supported CRS focuses on interventions that will reduce HIV infections across populations and improve the quality of life for people living with HIV. Central to the ICAP CTU’s mission is full engagement of the communities where the research sites are situated to ensure full input from community organizations and members.
Most recently, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ICAP CTU has pivoted to add research for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 at all three research sites.
