Research Studies

The Bickerstaff Pediatric Family Center at Miller Children’s develops and participates in research programs to evaluate new drug therapies and vaccinations, as well as better comprehend psychological effects and the natural history of HIV infection.

The Bickerstaff Center participates in AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) and International Maternal, Pediatric and Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Group (IMPAACT) research and HIV vaccine protocols sponsored through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other clinical studies approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Memorial Health Services. A large number of patients from the Bickerstaff Center are on IMPAACT studies, giving patients access to the latest therapies.

IMPAACT research studies:

Develop and evaluate safe and effective approaches to prevent mother-to-infant transmission of HIV

Evaluate treatment for HIV-infected children, adolescents and pregnant women, including treatment and prevention of co-infections
Evaluate vaccines for the prevention of HIV transmission among adolescents
Study therapeutic vaccines in search of a cure

These studies allow access to the latest therapies, treatment and vaccines and position the Bickerstaff Center at the forefront of HIV clinical research. As a regional leader, the Bickerstaff Center collaborates with a national consortium to participate in a national database to help answer medical questions or issues that confront or confound HIV care. Each patient is evaluated and a clinical protocol is recommended, based on their individual case.

View Bickerstaff Pediatric Family Center Clinical Trials.