Winter 08:Fall 11/28/07 4:19 PM Page 1

The Newsletter of amfAR, fThe Foundation for AIDS Research Winter 2008

Sharon Stone Named Global amfAR Appoints New Leadership Fundraising Chairman 2 Kevin Frost Named Chief Executive Officer POLICY REPORT mfAR has announced the appointment of Whither World Health? a Kevin Robert Frost as the Foundation’s new 3 chief executive officer. Frost was previously vice president for Global Initiatives at amfAR and has served as interim CEO since March 2007. TREAT ASIA UPDATE “amfAR’s 25 years of experience fighting AIDS 4 obligates us to do all we can in our efforts to end this pandemic,” Frost said upon his appointment. “And Fine-Tuning HAART for while the needs are great, amfAR is well positioned Treatment-Experienced to continue to make major contributions to HIV Pa5tients research, prevention, treatment, and advocacy in the coming years.” working together with civil society to build capacity RESEARCH Frost has worked extensively in Asia, where for scaling up treatment efforts in the region. HIV and the Brain he facilitated the development of amfAR’s TREAT Frost served as a member of the international amfAR to Be Honored Asia initiative, a network of more than 50 hospitals, advisory committee for the 2004 International AIDS With Adv6ocacy Award community clinics, NGOs, and healthcare facilities, Conference in Barcelona and was a member of the Rejuvenating the Field (continued on page 2) of AIDS Research 7 Global MSM Initiative Launched

BENEFIT NEWS amfAR Program Addresses Shortage of HIV Services for Men Who Have Sex With Men

8 round the world, HIV remains a crisis among October and the Initiative’s initial round of grants A men who have sex with men (MSM), particu - is expected to be issued in January 2008, barely a Calendar larly in resource-limited settings. Globally, year from when the project was first conceived. less than one in 20 MSM has access to needed HIV “Through the MSM Initiative, we hope to 12 prevention, treatment, and care services, according foster collaboration among organizations, promote to UNAIDS. advocacy that transforms attitudes and discriminatory In an effort to meet this urgent need and to policies, and increase HIV/AIDS funding for MSM reduce rates of HIV infection among MSM in worldwide,” said amfAR CEO Kevin Frost, who developing countries, in July amfAR announced spearheaded the new project. an international MSM Initiative. After initiating With small, targeted grants aimed at grassroots discussions in early 2007, amfAR has moved speedily groups in resource-limited countries, the MSM to raise more than $1 million to support the Initiative. Initiative is expected to have an immediate and amfAR meets the BBB Wise The first request for proposals (RFP) was released in significant impact on communities with limited Giving Alliance Standards for Charity Accountability (continued on page 7) Winter 08:Fall 11/28/07 4:19 PM Page 2

amfAR Board of Trustees Kenneth Cole Chairman of the Board Patricia J. Matson Vice Chairman John C. Simons Sharon Stone Named Global Vice Chairman Wallace Sheft, C.P.A. Treasurer William D. Zabel, Esq. Fundraising Chairman Secretary

Dame Founding International Chairman ong-time AIDS advocate and amfAR supporter Mathilde Krim, Ph.D. Founding Chairman Sharon Stone has been named amfAR’s global Arlen H. Andelson L fundraising chairman. Harry Belafonte David Bohnett Since becoming chairman of amfAR’s Campaign Zev Braun Jonathan S. Canno for AIDS Research in 1995, Stone has worked tirelessly Donald Capoccia Jane B. Eisner to heighten awareness of HIV/AIDS and to underscore Arnold W. Klein, M.D. Michael J. Klingensmith the urgent need for continued AIDS research. Her dynamic Michele V. McNeill, Pharm.D. Richard H. Metzner presence has been an indispensable element in a number Edward L. Milstein of highly successful amfAR benefits. Through personal Natasha Richardson Vincent A. Roberti appearances, benefit premieres of her movies, and other Allan Rosenfield, M.D. Alan D. Schwartz special events, she has helped amfAR raise millions of Diana L. Taylor Kevin Wendle dollars and has greatly increased AIDS awareness worldwide.

Adjunct Trustees Stone’s new role was announced by Kenneth Cole, chairman of amfAR’s board of trustees, David E. Bloom, Ph.D. R. Martin Chavez, Ph.D. at the September 27 board meeting, the first attended by recently elected board members Natasha Mervyn F. Silverman, M.D., M.P.H. Mario Stevenson, Ph.D. Richardson and Diana L. Taylor. Richardson, an award-winning stage and screen actress, has

Program Board conceived, organized, and spearheaded a number of highly successful amfAR events. She Allan Rosenfield, M.D. Chair received amfAR’s Award of Courage in November 2000. Taylor is a managing director of the investment banking firm of Wolfensohn & Co. She Dawn Averitt-Bridge David E. Bloom, Ph.D. also chairs a commission for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation that concentrates on Tim Brown, Ph.D. Alex Carballo-Dieguez, Ph.D. financially underserved communities, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. I Willard Cates, Jr., M.D., M.P.H. R. Alta Charo, J.D. Grant N. Colfax, M.D. Hoosen Coovadia, M.D. Sherry Deren, Ph.D. Carl Dieffenbach, Ph.D. Wafaa El-Sadr, M.D., M.P.H. Sherry Glied, Ph.D. Leadership (continued from page 1) Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. Adeeba Kamarulzaman, MBBS, FRACP Jennifer Kates, M.A., M.P.A. scientific committee for the 2006 International government health expert and spokesperson Mathilde Krim, Ph.D. Patrick C.K. Li, MBBS AIDS Conference in Toronto. He has also served for more than 20 years. She served as assistant Kenneth H. Mayer, M.D. William E. Paul, M.D. on the advisory panels for three U.S. Food and U.S. surgeon general; the first-ever deputy Mervyn F. Silverman, M.D., M.P.H. Peter Staley Drug Administration hearings on AIDS-related assistant secretary for women’s health; senior Mario Stevenson, Ph.D. David Vlahov, Ph.D. drug treatments. He has published in numerous global and e-health advisor in the U.S.

In Memoriam journals including The Lancet, Journal of Clinical Department of Health and Human Services; Sheldon W. Andelson, Esq. Mrs. Albert D. Lasker Epidemiology, Journal of AIDS (JAIDS), Journal chief of the Behavioral Medicine and Basic Jonathan M. Mann, M.D., M.P.H. Maxine Mesinger of Infectious Diseases , and The AIDS Reader . Prevention Research Branch at the National Peter Scott, Esq. Prior to joining amfAR in 1994, Frost Institute of Mental Health; and as a White Tom Stoddard spent four years at University Medical House advisor on health issues. Sharon Stone Global Fundraising Chairman Center where he worked primarily on clinical Dr. Blumenthal is currently distinguished Management Group research studies of cytomegalovirus retinitis in advisor on health and medicine at the Center Kevin Robert Frost Chief Executive Officer people with HIV/AIDS. He also served for a for the Study of the Presidency and a clinical

Susan J. Blumenthal, M.D., M.P.A. year as the inpatient care coordinator of the professor at Georgetown and Tufts Schools of Senior Medical and Policy Advisor Deborah C. Hernan AIDS program at New York City’s Bellevue Medicine. She is the recipient of numerous Vice President, Public Information Rowena Johnston, Ph.D. Hospital. awards, medals, and honorary doctorates for Vice President, Research Jeffrey Laurence, M.D. In addition to Frost’s appointment, Rear her landmark contributions to improving health. Senior Scientific Consultant Admiral Susan J. Blumenthal, M.D., M.P.A. Her work in the government has included a John F. Logan, Esq. Vice President and General Counsel (ret.), has been named senior medical and policy focus on HIV/AIDS since the beginning of Bill Melamed Vice President, Development advisor. Dr. Blumenthal has been a leading U.S. the epidemic in the early 1980s. I Scott Newman, M.B.A. Vice President, Finance and Administration Monica S. Ruiz, Ph.D., M.P.H. Acting Director, Public Policy

The Newsletter of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research • Winter 2008 Winter 08:Fall 11/28/07 4:19 PM Page 3 policy report Whither World Health? amfAR Co-Sponsors Global Health Symposium

ome 400 experts from the fields S of science, public health, and poli - cy gathered to assess the current “With future pandemics, if we do far state of global health and to discuss a road too little, far too late, we will pay a map for future collaborative action at an amfAR-co-sponsored symposium at the huge price. That is what we’ve done Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C., with HIV .” October 11–12. The symposium featured presenta - tions by eminent figures such as Sir Richard Feachem, recently retired director of the Global Fund to Fight across national borders, amfAR’s senior care delivery, amfAR CEO Kevin Frost AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria; Dr. medical and policy advisor Dr. Susan J. provided an overview of amfAR’s TREAT Anthony Fauci, director of the National Blumenthal, one of the meeting’s organiz - Asia initiative. Institute of Allergy and Infectious ers, noted, “Today, one nation’s problem New models for international aid, Diseases; and John Podesta, President is every nation’s problem. But the good such as TREAT Asia and the Global ’s chief of staff and now news is that solutions cross borders, too.” Fund, must be developed in order to president and CEO of the Center for Underestimating the mutability and effectively improve global health in the American Progress. Although discussions efficiency of the microbes that cause 21st century, stated Dr. Feachem. “In touched on a broad range of issues, time AIDS, tuberculosis, influenza, and other my 30 to 40 years I’ve seen huge progress and again speakers returned to two core deadly diseases is one the most dangerous and I’ve seen setbacks,” he concluded. questions—what will be the greatest mistakes we can make, insisted Dr. Fauci. “But we have today an unprecedented threats to world health in the immediate In the mid-1960s, he said, “many people level of economic muscle, political future, and what must we do to contain in the U.S. proclaimed a near end to the commitment, and scientific expertise. them? era of infectious diseases—they didn’t So let’s get on with it.” understand the evolutionary capacity of The symposium was co-sponsored by infectious disease, which is the second amfAR, the Embassy of Italy, the National leading cause of death worldwide.” Academies, and Partners HealthCare “Today, one nation’s HIV/AIDS offers a particularly System. I vivid lesson about the danger of problem is every ignoring an infectious disease, nation’s problem. according to Dr. Feachem. “With future pandemics, if we do far But the good news too little, far too late, we will is that solutions pay a huge price,” he predicted. “That is what we’ve done with cross borders, too.” HIV.” In addition to analyzing specific future threats to global Globalization was cited by a number health, other symposium sessions of participants as perhaps the most power - offered information on innovative ful force now operating in the realm of practices and new models for world public health. Noting the speed improving global health care. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, amfAR’s senior medical and with which AIDS, avian flu, and other As part of a forum on scaleable, policy advisor Dr. Susan J. Blumenthal, and amfAR CEO infectious diseases have been able to leap sustainable models for health- Kevin Frost. (Photo: National Kidney Foundation)

The Newsletter of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research • Winter 2008 3 Winter 08:Fall 11/28/07 4:19 PM Page 4 treat asia update

Network Gathers in Hanoi for To address the 7th Annual Meeting implications of that amfAR and its TREAT Asia initiative problem, TAHOD hosted more than 180 HIV/AIDS special - researchers examined ists from Asia and around the world at the management of a the 7th Annual Network Meeting in condition known as Hanoi, Vietnam, September 7–10. With immune reconstitution more than 60 pediatric doctors, nurses, syndrome—with reassur - and researchers in attendance for the ing results. “In spite of first time, the participants reviewed the the relatively high rates previous year’s advances, which included of co-infection with the publication of numerous research tuberculosis and the papers, the launch of the new TREAT During a break at the TREAT Asia meeting in Hanoi, Dr. Annette relatively advanced Asia Pediatric HIV Observational Sohn (center) gathered with ACATA members Ayi Farida, Jeanne stage of disease at D’Arc Truong, Addy Chen, Duong Truong Thuy, Dhayan Dirgantara, which patients started Database, the completion of a three-year and Sam Nugraha. (Photo: Luong Hung) training cycle for community activists, HAART,” the authors and significant progress in implementing HIV/AIDS had been conducted in the wrote, immune reconstitution syndrome complex HIV drug resistance studies and region, leaving clinicians with insufficient was found to be “relatively uncommon” a laboratory quality assurance project. treatment and care data on the continent’s in Asia—a finding indicating that the The growth of the TREAT Asia HIV-positive populations. effective management of HIV/AIDS Network and the broad range of projects Now, five years after TAHOD was in Asia may face one less obstacle. undertaken by its members led to a greater established, database investigators have The Purple Sky Network number of specialized sessions at this hit full stride. Over the course of 2007, year’s meeting, covering such topics as TAHOD researchers, drawing on anony - Only a year ago, the Purple Sky HIV-related cancers, database training, mous data from more than 3,500 patients Network—an association of Mekong- new research proposals, budgeting and at 17 TREAT Asia sites across Asia, have area community groups involved in grant reporting, and strategies for published a record seven papers in such fighting HIV among men who have community training programs. But on prestigious journals as The Journal of sex with men (MSM)—met for the the last day of the meeting, participants Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, first time in Bangkok. With the aim of discussed the future of TREAT Asia HIV Medicine, and Clinical Infectious gaining recognition and support for and how the Network might expand its Diseases. heavily stigmatized MSM in a region role, specifically in regard to Asia-wide By collecting a large bank of where HIV is spreading with shocking leadership, mentoring, education, and information on HIV disease and treat- policy-related activities. “TREAT Asia ment patterns across Asia, TAHOD has is potentially very powerful because we been able to deepen understanding of have all these incredible clinicians in this how the disease affects the region’s room,” said steering committee member populations. A recent paper, published Dr. Annette Sohn, summing up the in the July issue of the International growing confidence of participants in Journal of STD and AIDS , described the strength of the network they have one aspect of the challenge. “Antiretroviral built over the last seven years. treatment scale-up programs in resource- limited settings…often rely on health-care Record Year for Research workers who lack the detailed clinical The TREAT Asia HIV Observational knowledge of managing HIV infection,” Database (TAHOD) was established in the paper’s authors wrote. As a result, order to generate much-needed scientific “concerns are sometimes raised about data on HIV disease and treatment in Asia. the difficulties of managing complications Dr. Patrick Li and Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman, co-chair and chair of the TREAT Asia Steering Few clinical studies on the treatment of of antiretroviral treatment.” Committee. (Photo: Luong Hung) 4 The Newsletter of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research • Winter 2008 Winter 08:Fall 11/28/07 4:19 PM Page 5

Fine-Tuning HAART for Treatment-Experienced Patients amfAR’s Continuing Education Program Takes to the Road

ighly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has radically improved the treatment of H HIV over the past decade, but deciding on an effective and tolerable regimen is no easy task. To make matters more complex, a patient’s inability to adhere to a drug regimen, difficulty tolerating a medication, or simply long-term use of a drug can lead to the evolution of drug-resistant strains of HIV, which in turn can lead to an increase in viral load followed by disease progression. In order to help health-care workers select a HAART regimen, especially in highly treatment-experienced patients with limited options, amfAR recently concluded a series of ten dinner meetings in cities across the country entitled Improving HIV Treatment Outcomes and Care for the Treatment-Experienced Patient . Aimed at physician assistants and nurse practi - tioners with heavy HIV case loads, the series attracted more than 500 attendees who received continuing medical education (CME) credits through amfAR and nursing credits through the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC). amfAR presented the series in conjunction with a number of AIDS service organizations, including regional AIDS education and training centers, local ANAC chapters, and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. One of the goals of amfAR’s CME program is to broaden the reach of educational activities—in this case by providing specialized HIV training to mid-level providers who often interact very closely with HIV-positive patients. Additionally, by holding programs in Atlanta and Raleigh-Durham, NC, the series in part targeted the South, where there is rising preva - More than 500 medical professionals attended amfAR’s continuing education program aimed lence of HIV. The series, which ran from June 6 through October 17, was also conducted in at helping select HIV drugs for treatment- Albany, NY, Boston, Denver, Indianapolis, Kansas City, MO, Los Angeles, Portland, OR, experienced patients with few options. (Photo: Larry Switzer) and San Diego. I

speed among MSM, the 80-plus groups Network’s advisory board and USAID’s said Jack Arayawongchai, the coordinator involved in the Purple Sky Network set Bangkok regional senior advisor. “Prior to of TREAT Asia’s MSM program. This out to strengthen the voices of MSM the work of the Purple Sky Network, none collective, regional focus on HIV and within their own countries. of the national governments in this region MSM had an immediate impact. The The goals of the Purple Sky Network were anywhere near being at the table as Laotian government, for instance, went were ambitious, but the last year has partners on MSM and HIV.” from refusing to acknowledge that MSM seen remarkable progress toward their But changes in the political landscape existed in the country to staging the first realization. Not long ago, none of the for MSM in the region haven’t come national meeting on MSM and HIV in six countries in the Greater Mekong without hard work, beginning three 2007, which resulted in the inclusion of Sub-region—Cambodia, southern years before the Purple Sky Network MSM in the national HIV/AIDS plan. China (Yunnan and Guangxi provinces), was launched when a study showed that As the Purple Sky Network enters Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam— HIV prevalence among MSM in Bangkok its second year, plans have been formed included MSM in their national strategic stood at 17.3 percent, far higher than 1.5 to expand partnerships with other regional plans for HIV/AIDS; today, all of them percent in the general population. This groups and to push forward with efforts do except China (although Yunnan and disturbing data kickstarted a series of to support MSM in-country groups. Guanxi provinces do.) A year ago, only discussions and meetings between Although the epidemic continues to Myanmar and Vietnam had established governments, community groups, and spread among MSM in Asia, the Purple national MSM working groups; today, NGOs in the region. Sky Network has shown that first steps every country but Thailand has. “That was the first time government can be giant steps in the fight against

“This is a huge change,” said Clif representatives in the Mekong region had HIV/AIDS. I Cortez, a member of the Purple Sky come together to discuss MSM issues,” The Newsletter of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research • Winter 2008 5 Winter 08:Fall 11/28/07 4:19 PM Page 6 research HIV and the Brain By Jeffrey Laurence, M.D.

ighly active antiretroviral therapy as AZT, indinavir or lopinavir, which have (HAART) saves lives—to be exact, much poorer brain penetrance, it did not H 2.8 million years of life since 1989 correct these abnormalities. in the U.S. alone, based on national sur - The authors concluded that a viral veillance data published last year. sanctuary capable of inducing inflamma - HAART’s effectiveness is mitigated to tion most likely persists in the brain some extent by problems arising from despite use of antiretroviral drugs capable drug resistance and drug side effects, but of blocking HIV growth in other areas HIV infection may have other debilitating of the body. And they called for further consequences as well. One issue of grow - Dr. Beau Ances and colleagues determined that a research into the development of other ing importance involves changes in mental viral sanctuary capable of inducing inflammation types of drugs capable of protecting function ranging from mild cognitive most likely persists in the brain’s lenticular nuclei the brain against such assaults, an area (arrow) despite use of antiretroviral drugs capa - impairment to frank dementia, a problem ble of blocking HIV. Inset shows the location of of active interest to amfAR-funded

addressed by amfAR-funded scientist the brain cross-section. (Photo: John A Beal, scientists. I Louisiana State University Health Sciences Beau Ances writing in the September Center, Shreveport) Dr. Laurence is amfAR’s senior scientific issue of the Archives of Neurology . consultant. Before HAART, up to one-third of analyzing the brain chemicals typically people with AIDS developed mental targeted in MRS, he examined changes in changes substantial enough to alter their three chemicals that are elevated in nerve capacity to complete normal daily activi - tissues under inflammatory or oxidative ties. As HAART became more widely stresses—the kinds of conditions induced amfAR to Be available, the occurrence of frank demen - by HIV. These molecules—creatine, a tia fortunately declined, but in its place Honored with marker of high-energy metabolism; lac - came a range of less serious but still sig - tate, a measure of cell activity under con - Advocacy Award nificant and common mental impairments. ditions of low oxygen; and lipid, affected Dr. Ances and colleagues noted that Dr. Mathilde Krim to Accept by oxidative stress—were examined in an the standard way of assessing functional area of the brain known as the lenticular Research !America’s Paul G. changes in brain activity, using magnetic nuclei (LN). Dr. Ances’s group chose to Rogers Award resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and meas - study the LN because previous studies urements of certain brain chemicals, may had found that chemical and immune n recognition of amfAR’s staunch have led doctors to believe that HAART abnormalities in that region of the brain support of biomedical research, was having a greater positive effect in the are strongly linked with HIV-associated I Founding Chairman Dr. Mathilde brain than was actually occurring. It mental impairment. HIV-negative volun - Krim will accept the Paul G. Rogers appeared that HAART could return these teers were evaluated along with HIV- Distinguished Organization Advocacy abnormally elevated chemical markers infected individuals who were either cog - Award on behalf of amfAR from to the normal range in most people. Yet nitively normal or mildly or severely Research !America, the nation's largest clinically, abnormalities in mental function impaired. not-for-profit public education and continued to occur in some patients. Dr. Ances discovered that lipid and advocacy alliance working to make health Clearly a more sensitive indicator of lactate are more sensitive markers for cog - research a higher national priority. The HIV’s effects in the brain was needed. nitive changes than commonly measured Rogers Award will be presented at a cere - Dr. Ances’s group has now identified chemicals, and that increasing levels cor - mony on March 18, 2008, in Washington, one such test. related with increased cognitive impair - D.C. Research !America’s annual awards Working at the University of ment. Whether HAART included drugs program was established in 1996 to honor Pennsylvania, Dr. Ances used the standard such as tenofovir or tipranavir, which outstanding advocates of medical, health, MRS scan, but with a twist. Instead of readily enter into the brain, or agents such and scientific research. I

6 The Newsletter of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research • Winter 2008 Winter 08:Fall 11/28/07 4:19 PM Page 7

Rejuvenating the Field of AIDS Research Krim Fellows Program Confronts Urgent Need for Young Scientists

n January 2007, amfAR launched a new research initiative and fresh ideas. But most experts I in honor of its founding chairman: The Mathilde Krim agree that it is now falling apart as Fellows in Basic Biomedical Research. The aim was to a result of scarce research support confront an urgent problem. At a time when HIV/AIDS for any but senior researchers. kills more than 2 million people each year, support for bright Addressing this gap and young scientists seeking innovative solutions to the epidemic moving from concept to funding is evaporating. in less than a year, amfAR will The proportion of funding awarded to young scientists announce its inaugural round of aged 35 or less has steadily declined from 23 percent in 1980 Krim Fellowships in January. The Dr. Mathilde Krim, amfAR’s to below four percent in 2001, according to a study by the program will support exceptional founding chairman. National Institutes of Health (NIH). A recent Nature Medicine young scientists’ biomedical research article reported that the number of young scientists securing aimed at treating, preventing, and eradicating HIV/AIDS. The NIH grants fell by 14 percent between 2003 and 2006. Krim Fellowship program will support two years of postdoctoral Meanwhile, the share of grants going to older scientists has research, with the possibility of one additional year of research grown sharply. The result is that young scientists, looking for sup - support during the first year of a tenure-track position. port for original ideas, are increasingly forced to leave academia. The first round of proposals was reviewed by amfAR’s In the early days of HIV/AIDS research, the urgency and Scientific Advisory Committee at an October meeting described complexity of the disease drew many of the world’s sharpest as “an unqualified success” by Dr. Rowena Johnston, amfAR’s young scientists. These investigators were mentored by senior vice president of research. “We received many applications of scientists until they were eventually able to head up their own extraordinarily high caliber from leading laboratories all around research teams and generate funding for their own work. the world,” she indicated. “The overwhelming response to this This system of training and mentoring leading to profession - program underscores the pressing funding needs of new

al independence guaranteed a continued supply of new energy researchers as support has dried up from other sources.” I

MSM (continued from page 1)

resources for MSM. The Initiative will support networks $50,000. As the MSM Initiative grows, it will provide more working to address HIV among MSM, fund research to build support to a greater number of organizations. understanding of HIV epidemics and The MSM Initiative coordinates interventions among MSM, and seek its activities with UNAIDS, the Global effective policies and increased public Forum on MSM and HIV, and dozens funding for HIV prevention and treatment of local and regional organizations. It has efforts for MSM. itself received funding from a number The first round of awards will support of generous institutions and individuals, front-line organizations and networks in including the M•A•C AIDS Fund, the Africa, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, amfAR will issue a second series of RFPs GlaxoSmithKline’s Positive Action pro - in 2008 for Central and South America, gram, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Eastern Europe, Central and East Asia, Tackling MSM issues in Asia, Vincent Crisostomo of Foundation, as well as David Bohnett and China. the Coalition of Asia Pacific Regional Network on and Tom Gregory, Luigi Caiola and Sean Individual organizations are eligible HI V/AIDS and Addy Chen of the International McGill, James C. Hormel and Timothy HI V/AIDS Alliance joined other MSM activists for one-year awards of up to $20,000 while at a Purple Sky Network meeting. (Photo: Apinun Wu, Dr. Mathilde Krim, and more than a networks are eligible for awards of up to Sreengam) dozen other individuals and families. I The Newsletter of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research • Winter 2008 7 Winter 08:Fall 11/28/07 4:19 PM Page 8 benefit news Cinema Against AIDS Shows “Cannes Do” Spirit Event Is the Most Successful Fundraiser in amfAR History

any of the most celebrated names in entertainment, art, In one of the event’s most memorable moments, George and fashion gathered at the 14th annual Cinema Against Clooney, who helped his Ocean’s 13 castmates auction off two M AIDS gala on May 23 to support amfAR and vacation packages, offered a kiss for AIDS research, in the process raising $7 million and the winner to sweeten the deal. “I’ve making the event the most successful fundraiser in seen you kiss for free!” Stone joked amfAR history. to Clooney. Among those attending this M•A•C Viva Glam spokeswoman year’s event, held once again at Dita Von Teese, clad in Swarovski Le Moulin de Mougins during crystal-encrusted boots and a cowboy the Cannes International Film hat, also performed her burlesque Festival, were Sharon Stone, show, “Lipteese,” in which she Harvey Weinstein, Matt Damon, rode a giant lipstick. George Clooney, Andy Garcia, Other auction items included Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, a Milan fashion package, a plate Diego Luna, Michelle Yeoh, portrait by legendary artist Dita von Teese, M•A•C’s John Julian Schnabel, and a Chopard Demsey, Bold Films’ Michel diamond necklace, which sold Litvak, Palisades Pictures’ for $500,000, the highest single Vincent Roberti, French Vogue’s bid of the night. Carine Roitfeld, and amfAR’s This year’s Cinema Against chairman of the board, AIDS was sponsored by Bold Kenneth Cole. Films, the M•A•C AIDS Fund, Cole opened the event and the Weinstein Company. by urging each individual to Event co-sponsors were continue the fight against Hewlett-Packard Company, AIDS, and Weinstein spoke Quintessentially, Warner Home of his deep satisfaction at Video, Chopard, and Nassiri being able to generate funds Music. for scientists seeking solutions amfAR’s Global Fundraising Others in attendance included to the epidemic. “I have seen Chairman Sharon Stone (upper Asia Argento, Ellen Barkin, an enormous evolution in the left) helped lead the record-setting Mischa Barton, Zoe Bell, Elodie Cannes benefit, with support from research,” added Stone, (clockwise) queen of burlesque Bouchez, Carla Bruni, Naomi amfAR’s global fundraising Dita Von Teese, Naomi Campbell Campbell, Amira Casar, Roberto chairman. “We’ve seen people and Jean-Paul Gauthier, George Cavalli, Georgina Chapman, Clooney and Matt Damon, who were not able to live for a and Petra Nemcova. Don Cheadle, Maggie Cheung, Toni Collette, Rosario Dawson, year now able to live for 20 (Photos: WireImage) Catherine Deneuve, John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier, Nicolas years.” Ghesquiere, Elliott Gould, Rose McGowan, Elle Macpherson, Stone kicked off the live auction by selling two of her Louis Eva Mendes, Svetlana Metkina, Kylie Minogue, Nassiri, Petra Vuitton custom vanity cases for $95,000 each. The auction fea - Nemcova, Stefano Pilati, Sarah Polley, Brett Ratner, Denise Rich, tured an impromptu performance by Australian pop singer Kylie Michelle Rodriguez, Robert Rodriguez, Princesse Clotilde de Minogue, who sang “Locomotion” and “Can’t Get You Out Of Savoie, Claudia Schiffer, Julian Schnabel, L’Wren Scott, Victoria My Head” after guests bid $300,000 to get her onstage. Julian Silvstedt, Mario Testino, Tracie Thoms, Ivana Trump, Jerry

Lennon closed the evening with an unplanned performance of Weintraub, and Kerry Washington. I “Stand By Me.”

8 The Newsletter of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research • Winter 2008 Winter 08:Fall 11/28/07 4:19 PM Page 9

amfAR Rocks to the Tune of $150,000

ix hundred young, hip New Yorkers descended on the Puck Building on September 24 for the 16th annual amfAR Rocks, an evening of revelry that S raised $150,000 for amfAR’s AIDS research programs. Paris Hilton, a longtime amfAR supporter, traveled to New York to chair the event, along with presenting sponsor Rock & Republic’s Michael Ball and Andrea Bernholtz. Among those who joined amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole and trustee Natasha Richardon at amfAR Rocks were Caridee English, Orfeh, Ty Jones, Paul Vogt, and the cast of “The Fashionista Diaries.” Guests feasted on signature dishes from 50 of New York’s hottest restaurants and bid on silent auction items from Rock & Republic, Rock the Cure, Bing Bang, Stella McCartney, Kenneth Cole, Bulgari, YSL, Gucci, and Rodarte. DJ Cassidy provided the evening’s dance music, and also donated a private lesson behind the turntable as part of the silent auction. amfAR Rocks was sponsored by Rock & Republic Clockwise from top left, event chair and Rock the Cure, with wine and spirits provided by Paris Hilton; amfAR Chairman Smirnoff. Now in its sixteenth year, the event helps of the Board Kenneth Cole with trustee Natasha Richardson; raise AIDS awareness among young New Yorkers and Mick Rock with amfAR Rocks has generated more than $3 million for amfAR’s chair Andrea Bernholtz of Rock & Republic; and Orfeh. HIV/AIDS programs. I (Photos: WireImage)

In Africa, a Fundraising Trek with Lasting Rewards

amibia, a country located on the Atlantic coast of southern hand descriptions of their work on the front lines of the AIDS N Africa, is home to the world’s oldest desert as well as an epidemic in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions. On their estimated 230,000 people living with HIV. In late May, 20 return, Trek participants gathered and sent boxes of supplies for intrepid amfAR supporters trekked into the heart of the desolate the Centre’s youth programs, including notebooks, soccer and and spectacular Namib Desert, raising a total of $251,000 for basketballs, crayons, pens, and pencils, the mailing costs of which amfAR’s vital HIV/AIDS programs. were underwritten by United Shipping During the 70-mile trek, partici - Solutions. pants walked through remote landscapes The Namibia trip was the third teeming with exotic wildlife, relying on Trek amfAR physical challenge event, each other and their guides to navigate following outings in China and Vietnam. the rough terrain of the Ugab River As with previous treks, participants were Valley in heat that reached 108 degrees. required to raise or contribute a mini - Despite the intense demands of the mum of $10,000 each to participate. This experience, first-time trekker Derrick year, Peter McManus of Los Angeles led Cordier described the Namibian trek the fund-raising effort with $40,000, as “like the best movie ever—I laughed, thereby earning a shopping excursion I cried, I stumbled, and I was helped courtesy of Victorinox Swiss Army. along the way.” Helaina Buzzeo Trekkers take a rest in the shade of an abandoned farm - The 2008 Trek amfAR event will stead in the Namib Desert. (Photo: Rowena Johnston) concurred. “This was an all-time life- take place in the northern mountains of changing experience for me,” she said. Thailand, where participants will hike On the final day of the nine-day event, trekkers visited the Old Elephant Trail, once a busy trade route but now seldom with HIV/AIDS doctors and prevention workers at the Walvis visited by Western tourists. Trekkers will also be able to see first-

Bay Multi-Purpose Centre, where local experts offered first- hand the programs conducted by amfAR’s Bangkok office. I

The Newsletter of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research • Winter 2008 9 Winter 08:Fall 11/28/07 4:19 PM Page 10

amfAR Honors with Pride Gay and Lesbian Leaders Receive Awards of Courage

mfAR recognized three influential leaders in the gay a and lesbian community for their longtime involve - ment in the fight against AIDS at the eighth annual Honoring with Pride benefit. David Barr, Liz Smith, and Dr. Barbara Starrett were honored at the June 6 event, which raised nearly $1 million for amfAR’s programs, including more than $560,000 for the new MSM Initiative (see page 1) . amfAR Chairman of the Board Kenneth Cole wel - comed guests to the event, which was held at New York City’s Clockwise from top, Dr. Barbara Starrett, famed Rainbow Room. The three honorees were presented with David Barr, and Liz Smith amfAR’s Award of Courage by Peter Staley, Liza Minnelli, and received Awards of Courage; New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. Following a Liza Minnelli and amfAR Chairman of the Board dynamic performance by actor/singer Cheyenne Jackson, a live Kenneth Cole; performer auction featured an impromptu performance by Liza Minnelli. Cheyenne Jackson. Kenneth Cole was able to convince nine guests to follow his lead (Photos: WireImage) in bidding $5,000 each for the privilege of hearing her sing. All three award recipients have played key roles in addressing International Treatment Preparedness Coalition. Nationally syn - the HIV/AIDS epidemic through their efforts to promote aware - dicated columnist Liz Smith has worked for years to raise public ness, raise funds, and expand treatment and support services for awareness about AIDS and to publicize the work of amfAR and people living with HIV. Barr, a longtime HIV treatment advocate other organizations. Dr. Starrett, a board-certified internist, was and educator, is the director of the Collaborative Fund for HIV an early leader in efforts to bring quality health care to gay men

Treatment Preparedness, a project of the Tides Network and the and lesbians. I

Bucks County Hits a High Note

hiladelphia-area amfAR supporters gathered on September 23 at the farm of Laura Bohn and Richard Fiore for a fundraiser P featuring a dazzling performance by Broadway star Christine Andreas. The third annual Bucks County Cabaret, which included a sumptuous dinner and a silent auction, raised $60,000 for amfAR. Ms. Andreas, whose velvety soprano has earned her two Tony Award nominations, was joined by her accomplished collaborator Martin Silvestri on the piano. David McShane, Kenneth G. Shaefer, Sam and Happy Shipley, and David Topel chaired the event, which was sponsored by Merck, Merrill Lynch, and Paxson Hill Clockwise from above, Broadway Farms. The Bucks County Cabaret was planned in associa - star Christine Andreas; David tion with the Philadelphia and Bucks County Committee Topel, Dr. Mathilde Krim, Randy for amfAR, representing a community that has mobilized Apgar, and Allen Black; Bob Egan and Happy Shipley. (Photos, top support for amfAR since the beginning of the AIDS right and bottom left: Gordon

epidemic and has raised more than $4.5 million. I Nieburg, Bucks County Herald ; top left: Alberto Ramos) 10 The Newsletter of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research • Winter 2008 Winter 08:Fall 11/28/07 4:19 PM Page 11

The Art of Fundraising: Record Receipts for Two by Two Elizabeth Peyton Honored with Award of Excellence

allas’s ninth annual Two by Two for AIDS and D Art black-tie dinner and art auction raised more than $3.2 million for amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art. The October 27 event was once again generously hosted by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky at the Richard Meier-designed Rachofsky House, and was co-chaired by Jennifer Eagle and Catherine Rose. Among those attending were amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, actor Stanley Tucci, and international queen of burlesque Dita Von Teese. Sponsored by Aston Martin of Dallas, Dom Pérignon, Harry Winston, Nassiri Music, and Sotheby’s, Two by Two included cocktails and a silent auction inside the Rachofsky House, followed by dinner, a live auction, and an after-party in a tent outside. The event’s auctions featured 130 pieces of contemporary art as well as luxury items. Highlights included a painting by Elizabeth Peyton, which sold for $450,000, and a Harry Winston ebony and diamond bangle watch, which brought $35,000. Following the live auction conducted by Jamie Niven, vice chairman of Sotheby’s, the tent was transformed into a late-night lounge for the Last Look after-party, sponsored by Aston Martin, Dom Pérignon, and Neiman Marcus. Von Teese took to the stage in a glittering red outfit to perform the Texas debut of her racy burlesque act “My Heart Belongs to Daddy.” With the encouragement of Stanley Tucci and Kenneth Cole, who each put up $5,000 to start the bidding, guests offered up a total of $70,000 to see a second Von Teese performance. She closed out the evening with her acclaimed martini glass routine. As part of the Two by Two weekend in Dallas, Elizabeth Peyton was honored with amfAR’s Award of Clockwise from top, the Rachofsky House where Two by Two was held; auctioneer Excellence for Artistic Contributions to the Fight Against Jamie Niven; Award of Excellence winner AIDS at a brunch hosted by Jennifer and John Eagle and Elizabeth Payton with Gavin Brown; actor sponsored by Citi on Sunday, October 28. amfAR trustee Stanley Tucci; co-chairs Jennifer Eagle and Catherine Rose; Susan Kaminsky and Richard Metzner presented Peyton with the award. I Cindy Rachofsky. (Photos: Steve Foxall/ Steve Foxall Photography)

The Newsletter of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research • Winter 2008 11 Winter 08:Fall 11/28/07 4:19 PM Page 12

Romans Embrace Cinema Against AIDS Inaugural Event Raises $1.35 Million www..org

The Foundation for AIDS Research pening up a new frontier in its highly successful

Cinema Against AIDS benefit event series, Newsletter Staff O Andrew McInnes amfAR held its inaugural Cinema Against AIDS Rome on October 26 during the Rome Film Festival. Director, Public Information Constance Herndon The event raised $1.35 million for the Foundation’s Senior Staff Writer HI V/AIDS research programs and attracted a glittering Carolyn Hanson Natalie Jacobs roster of Italian and American celebrities, led by amfAR Winnie McCroy Jennifer Samuels Global Fundraising Chairman Sharon Stone. Other Contributors supporters included Asia Argento, Zoe Cassavetes, Sofia Raoul Norman-Tenazas Coppola, Valeria Golino, Eva Herzigova, Bar Rafaeli, Creative Director Yolande Hunter Riccardo Scamarcio, Mira Sorvino, Julie Taymor, and Production Artist Elliot Goldenthal. Offices The evening opened with remarks by amfAR CEO 120 Wall Street, 13th Floor Kevin Frost about the Foundation’s expanding global reach and the importance New York, NY 10005-3908 tel: (212) 806-1600 of supporting AIDS research. Stone then hosted the gala’s live auction with fax: (212) 806-1601 characteristic panache, at one point auctioning off the necklace she was wearing 1150 17th Street, NW, Suite 406 Washington, DC 20036-4622 for $50,000. Pink Martini performed several songs during the course of the tel: (202) 331-8600 evening, and Across the Universe star Dana Fuchs sang “Let It Be” and Clockwise from top left: fax: (202) 331-8606 “The Rose,” accompanied by Thomas Lauderdale on the piano. Sharon Stone, Mira Sorvino TREAT Asia helping auction earrings from Exchange Tower Cinema Against AIDS Rome was presented by Fendi and co-sponsored de Grisogono, Bar Rafaeli. 21st Floor, Suite 2104 388 Sukhumvit Road by de Grisogono and Studios SRL, with Vanity Fair as the media partner. I (Photos: WireImage) Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand tel: (+66) 2 663-7561 fax: (+66) 2 663-7562

1-800-39-amfAR

amfAR is one of the world’s leading non - profit organizations dedicated to the Please note that all events are subject support of AIDS research, HIV preven - to change. Up-to-date event listings tion, treatment education, and the advo - cacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. calendar can be found at www.amfar.org. amfAR is a member of Community Health Charities. Thursday, January 31 Sunday, February 3 Thursday, May 22 amf AR NEW YORK GALA Gift for Life Cinema Against AIDS The annual amfAR New York Gala, a 16th Annual Celebration Cannes 2008 black-tie benefit to be held this year Gift for Life will celebrate its 16th The annual Cinema Against AIDS at Cipriani 42nd Street, will pay spe - anniversary with a party at New benefit has become the most eagerly cial tribute to Carine Roitfeld, editor York’s Strata nightclub. The evening, anticipated event of the Cannes Film in chief of French Vogue ; artist and held in conjunction with the New York Festival and has raised nearly $30 filmmaker Julian Schnabel; and International Gift Show, will feature million for AIDS research. This year’s Bobby Shriver, chairman of PRODUCT an awards presentation, dancing, black-tie benefit, featuring cocktails, (RED). The event is chaired by Daniel and both silent and live auctions. dinner, and a live auction, promises The Board o f Trustees Battsek, Kenneth Cole, Diane Von This year’s event honors Paulette to follow in the glamorous footsteps of amfAR recognizes Furstenberg, Lou Reed, Natasha Cole of ABC Carpet & Home; Will of its predecessors, which have American Airlines for its Richardson, Sharon Stone, Dame Little of George Little Management, showcased appearances by Sharon long-standing commitment Elizabeth Taylor, and Stanley Tucci. LLC; and Sheila Charton of 7W New Stone, Sir Elton John, Ringo Starr, to the fight against AIDS It includes cocktails, dinner, and York. Two-time Tony-Award-winner George Clooney, and many more. and its generous support an awards ceremony. Contact Kate Sutton Foster, currently seen in Mel Contact Kate Fitzsimons at (212) of amfAR’s mission. Fitzsimons at (212) 806-1612 for Brooks’s Broadway musical Young 806-1612 for more information more information. Frankenstein , will perform. Gift and to reserve your seat now. for Life is a committee of senior Sign Up for amfAR News by E-Mail executives from the gift and home For the latest on HIV/AIDS and amfAR’s industry who have helped raise programs and events, sign up for our more than $4 million for amfAR. monthly e-mail newsletter. You can also subscribe to an electronic version of the Contact David Yu at (212) 806-1615 TREAT Asia Report . Sign up on the web at for more information. www.amfar.org/subscribe.