Serve as Spokesperson for the Search for an HIV Cure
IDS Research Alliance is pleased to announce that actor/activist LeVar Burton has become a spokesman for its AIDS cure research campaign and will headline its October 13 annual benefit, Art Deco & Jazz, at downtown’s fabled Cicada Restaurant.
“AIDS Research Alliance is honored by LeVar Burton's support and involvement in our organization,” said Carolyn Carlburg, President and CEO of ARA. “We could not ask for a more dedicated and passionate advocate for our cause.”
AIDS Research Alliance (ARA) is the nation’s only independent, nonprofit medical institute devoted to research on cures for HIV/AIDS, founded in 1989. ARA holds licenses from the National Institutes of Health and Stanford University to develop prostratin, a potential drug aimed at eradicating reservoirs of the latent HIV virus. The alliance won the Pepsi Refresh online contest last year, earning $250,000 to build a new high-tech laboratory for testing prostratin. While the drug has shown promise, millions of dollars worth of additional tests are required. ARA's cure research is independent of government or university funding.
“I’m looking forward to spreading the word about prostratin and the importance of raising money to support research on this promising drug developed at the AIDS Research Alliance,” noted Burton. “ARA needs to grow and expand research on a cure for HIV and get FDA approval to test prostratin on patients.”
Burton will join ARA supporters enjoying the sounds of Grammy-nominated vocalist Monica Mancini, daughter of Henry Mancini, at the Thursday, October 13, benefit. Art Deco & Jazz, at Cicada in the landmark1928 Oviatt Building in downtown Los Angeles, will honor the pioneering work of three prominent HIV physicians.
The physicians being honored include: Michael Gottlieb MD, a physician widely credited with reporting the first cases of AIDS in 1981; Wilbert Jordan MD, founder and director of OASIS Clinic in 1985, still the only AIDS medical service organization in South Los Angeles; and Robert Winters MD, Associate Medical Director of ARA and one of its longest-serving medical professionals.
