Approved in record time, zidovudine (AZT) becomes the first anti-HIV drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (At $10,000 for a one-year supply, AZT is the most expensive drug in history.)
amfAR awards its first grant addressing the international epidemic to Dr. Peter Piot for his landmark study of female-to-male HIV transmission in Kenya.
The CDC launches a new nationwide public information campaign, “America Responds to AIDS.”
Researchers realize that virtually all cases of HIV infection ultimately lead to full-blown AIDS, but only after a long incubation period.
And the Band Played On, a history of the AIDS epidemic by reporter Randy Shilts, is published.
The AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) is founded in New York City.
The U.S. government bars HIV-infected immigrants and travelers from entering the country.
The Food and Drug Administration allows condom-makers to advertise the fact that latex condoms can help prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
The CDC expands its definition of AIDS to include wasting syndrome and dementia.
Michael Bennett dies of AIDS.
Liberace dies of AIDS.
amfAR Board member Sheldon Andelson, Esq., dies of AIDS.
U.S. YEAR-END STATISTICS
50,378 cases of AIDS reported to date
40,849 deaths
