UC San Diego AntiViral Research Center

UC San Diego AntiViral Research Center The award-winning research center is an established leader in San Diego’s HIV research community and is well known for its HIV testing programs.

The AVRC develops and conducts innovative research that enhances the quality and duration of life for people living with and affected by HIV and other infections of global significance. The UC San Diego AntiViral Research Center (AVRC) develops and conducts innovative research that enhances the quality and duration of life for people living with HIV and other infections of global significance. Int

ernationally, the AVRC extends its research and education programs to Africa, Asia, and South America.

Curious how clinical research actually works? It’s simpler (and more conversational) than you think! 🧵👇From your very fi...
06/19/2026

Curious how clinical research actually works? It’s simpler (and more conversational) than you think! 🧵👇

From your very first call with Marvin to walking through our doors, we prioritize your comfort, clarity, and absolute confidentiality every step of the way.

✨ WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨

1️⃣ The First Chat: You'll connect with Marvin to talk about our research opportunities, ask questions, and see if it's a good fit for you. No pressure, ever.

2️⃣ The Screening Visit: You’ll visit our center and meet with a study nurse or coordinaor to go over the formal paperwork (informed consent) so you know exactly what the study involves.

3️⃣ Making an Impact: If everything aligns, you become a vital part of advancing healthcare options for our entire community!

🔬 Ready to get involved?

🔗 Tap the link in our bio to view our open studies
📞 Call Marvin at (619) 543-3740 to chat! 📞✨

Mark your calendars, San Diego! 🗓️ Two incredibly important events are on the horizon as we continue working together to...
06/17/2026

Mark your calendars, San Diego! 🗓️ Two incredibly important events are on the horizon as we continue working together to support our community, shape local care, and honor those leading the way in HIV advocacy.

📍 July 7 | HIV Planning Group (HPG) Strategies & Standards Committee Meeting
Your voice matters in how local care is shaped. This rescheduled meeting is where critical decisions happen regarding delivery guidelines, priorities, and quality metrics for HIV prevention and care programs across San Diego County.
⏰ 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM

📍 August 22 | Christie’s Place 30th Anniversary Gala
We are so proud to celebrate three decades of Christie’s Place! For 30 years, they have been a beacon of hope, providing essential, trauma-informed support for women, children, and families impacted by HIV/AIDS in San Diego. Join the community for an unforgettable evening honoring this incredible milestone.

Let’s show up, stay informed, and celebrate the organizations that keep our community strong. 💪✨
🔗 Link in bio for meeting access and gala ticket details!

Meet the Team: Dr. Maile Young Karris ✨If you’ve ever wondered what drives the groundbreaking work at the AVRC, look no ...
06/12/2026

Meet the Team: Dr. Maile Young Karris ✨

If you’ve ever wondered what drives the groundbreaking work at the AVRC, look no further than Dr. Maile Young Karris. Since joining our team in 2013, she has worn many essential hats, but her favorites define exactly who she is: Advocate. Physician. Researcher. Mom. 💼🩺🔬❤️

When asked what inspired her to pursue HIV research, her answer goes straight to the heart of holistic community care. For Dr. Karris, HIV research is a powerful tool to optimize healthy aging. It allows us to provide access to crucial, evidence-based interventions—like tailored exercise programs, therapy, and community social engagement—that aren’t routinely covered by insurance.

We are incredibly grateful for her dedication, her vision, and the deep care she brings to our community every single day. Join us in celebrating Dr. Karris in the comments below! 👇

Taking care of your health is an act of COMMUNITY CARE. 🤝🌱PrEP is a safe, effective way for HIV-negative folks to preven...
06/10/2026

Taking care of your health is an act of COMMUNITY CARE. 🤝🌱

PrEP is a safe, effective way for HIV-negative folks to prevent HIV before any potential exposure.

✨ POWERFUL PROTECTION ✨
It offers peace of mind both during s*x and for those who use injection drugs. It’s a simple option that offers immense peace of mind.

Talk to a healthcare provider today to see if it’s right for you!

🔬 Ready to get involved in our research?

🔗 Visit https://linktr.ee/ucsdavrc to view our open studies.

📞 Call Marvin at (619) 543-3740 to chat! 📞✨

This June 5th, we are honored to stand with those who paved the way. 🧡We are "Leading with Legacy" to mark HIV Long-Term...
06/05/2026

This June 5th, we are honored to stand with those who paved the way. 🧡

We are "Leading with Legacy" to mark HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day. Join us and as we celebrate the resilience, strength, and wisdom of survivors who have defined this journey.

Your story is our history. Your leadership is our future.

Words have power. 🗣️When we choose respectful, PERSON-FIRST language, we see the person before the diagnosis or conditio...
06/03/2026

Words have power. 🗣️

When we choose respectful, PERSON-FIRST language, we see the person before the diagnosis or condition.

✨ Human dignity always comes first. ✨

Respectful phrasing reduces stigma and creates a more supportive environment for everyone in our community. 💙💛

Interested in supporting local health research that prioritizes inclusive care? Our team is currently enrolling participants for upcoming clinical studies.

🔗 Visit https://linktr.ee/ucsdavrc to view open studies.

📞 Call Marvin at (619) 543-3740 to learn about eligibility.

WE’VE COME A LONG WAY in our understanding of HIV. 🧵Today, one of the most powerful advancements in public health is the...
05/29/2026

WE’VE COME A LONG WAY in our understanding of HIV. 🧵

Today, one of the most powerful advancements in public health is the science behind U=U: UNDETECTABLE = UNTRANSMITTABLE.

Groundbreaking clinical data shows that when people living with HIV have access to effective treatment that lowers the viral load to undetectable levels, the virus is not passed to others during s*x.

Education is key to supporting community health and reducing stigma. 💙💛

Interested in supporting local health research? Our team is currently enrolling participants for upcoming clinical studies. Visit https://linktr.ee/ucsdavrc to view open studies, or call Marvin at (619) 543-3740 to learn about our eligibility criteria. 📞✨

Marvin has worn many hats at the AVRC since 2014, but the role he is most proud of is serving as the center's Community ...
05/26/2026

Marvin has worn many hats at the AVRC since 2014, but the role he is most proud of is serving as the center's Community Engagement Manager. In his own words, "My mission at the AVRC is ensuring every voice is heard, represented, and empowered in the pursuit of both life-changing treatment and a future cure for HIV." Have questions about joining a study? Call us at 619-543-8080 and ask to speak to Marvin for a casual chat.🌟

Living with HIV and struggling with depression or both depression and memory problems? We are looking for participants f...
05/08/2026

Living with HIV and struggling with depression or both depression and memory problems? We are looking for participants for a research study comparing two medications: pramipexole extended release (ER) and escitalopram to treat depression. Financial compensation of up to $975 for full study participation.

If you are interested, please call the study nurse at (619) 543-5217.

Community Chats: Regenerative Medicine in ActionAn Educational Event on Cutting-Edge Therapies and Scientific Breakthrou...
01/16/2026

Community Chats: Regenerative Medicine in Action
An Educational Event on Cutting-Edge Therapies and Scientific Breakthroughs

Date: January 21, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location:
The San Diego LGBT Community Center
3909 Centre Street
San Diego, CA 92103

Presenter:
Sheldon Morris, MD, MPH
Director, Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center
Deputy Director, CIRM UCSD Alpha Clinic
Clinical Professor of Medicine, UC San Diego

This session will cover:
• What stem cells are and how they work
• Current research and breakthroughs, including applications for HIV and other diseases
• Clinical trials and what is coming next
• A live Q and A with the expert

RSVP by January 16, 2026:
https://form.jotform.com/253636340896163
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 844-317-7826

Address

220 Dickinson Street, Ste A
San Diego, CA
92103

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(619) 543-8080

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when UC San Diego AntiViral Research Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category