1998

Early work by amfAR-funded researchers Drs. Joseph Sodroski and Richard Wyatt culminates in the first 3-D images of HIV as it attaches to the surface of immune cells. (Knowledge of this structure could be critical to designing an effective AIDS vaccine.)

AIDS deaths in the U.S. decline by 21%. However, the limitations of existing treatments, including the emergence of drug-resistant viral strains, cause scientists to predict that there will be no further significant declines.

Physicians express increasing concern over lipodystrophy and other side effects of current anti-HIV drugs.

Early hope that combination therapy might effect a clinical cure for AIDS fades.

amfAR grantees Drs. Jack Nunberg and Dan Littman develop a “fusion competent” vaccine concept that remains one of the most promising approaches in AIDS vaccine research.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala determines that needle exchange programs are effective in preventing HIV infection and do not encourage illegal drug use. But the Congressional ban on federal funding of such programs remains in place.

amfAR launches the first major clinical trial comparing two therapies for the treatment of hepatitis C (HCV) in people infected with HIV. (As many as 40% of Americans with HIV are co-infected with HCV.)

African American leaders declare that AIDS constitutes a “state of emergency” for their communities.

U.S. YEAR-END STATISTICS

688,200 cases of AIDS reported to date
410,800 deaths