Establishes the acquired immune deficiency syndrome research initiative within the acquired immune deficiency syndrome institute

3 Co-sponsors

• John A. DeFrancisco
• Thomas P. Morahan
• Dale M. Volker

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to establishing an AIDS research initiative, and providing for its duties

Purpose

To support AIDS research designed to improve the public health, provide patients with access to new therapies, support research-community collaborations and enhance economic development across the state.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 adds § 2777-a, entitled AIDS research initiative, to the public health law. Subdivision one of § 2777-a requires that the initiative dispense peer-reviewed, merit-based HIV/AIDS related research grants to not-for-profit institutions and collaborating community-based organizations. Subdivision two of § 2777-a requires the initiative to prioritize research that is timely, innovative and targeted to the unique characteristics of the AIDS epidemic in this state. Subdivision three of § 2777-a requires that the initiative focus on infection trends, prevention strategies, treatments for those living with HIV, basic clinical science and behavioral/social science. Subdivision four of § 2777-a requires that the initiative support partnerships between research institutions and community-based organizations serving communities of color and other high-need populations. Section 2 makes the act effective immediately.

Existing law

Article 27-E of the Public Health Law: The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Institute

Justification

As of September 2007, New York State has over 112,000 people living with HIV/AIDS, more than any other state in the nation. Research shows that every HIV infection results in a lifetime medical care cost of over $300,000. Despite this fact, federal research funding has plateaued, and New York's share of federal research funding has declined. The result is less patient access to cutting-edge experimental therapies, and the weakening of New York's clinical and social research capacity.

As New York has done with stem cell research, an investment in AIDS research makes good public health and economic sense. This bill would re-establish a state role in this important work, relying in part on the guidance of the existing state AIDS Research Advisory Council. The proposed research program would focus on the particular needs of New York's epidemic, establish collaborations between researchers and community-based providers, and target research capable of generating additional federal or private research funding. A similar program in California, established in 1983, has generated $5 in federal and private research dollars for every $1 the state invests. That program has given California research institutions an advantage when competing for federal research dollars, to the detriment of New York patients and researchers.

Legislative history

2007-2008: S.6972

Fiscal implications

$500,000

Effective date

Immediate.