STI CTG Background

Background of the STI Clinical Trials Group

The mission of the NIAID’s Sexually Transmitted Diseases program is to foster, develop, and administer a research program that will contribute to the reproductive health of people and specifically lead to prevention and control of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

Sexually transmitted infections and diseases continue to be a world-wide problem, particularly in women, adolescents, and underserved populations. STIs are caused by several bacterial and viral agents; infections that can manifest in individuals as diseases with both short and long term health consequences. Co-infection with more than one pathogen is common, as well as co-infection with HIV.

The NIAID first awarded the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinical Trials Unit (STD CTU) contract in 1997 to the University of North Carolina for the study of the safety and efficacy of experimental diagnostics, therapeutics, topical microbicides, vaccines, and behavioral interventions aimed at preventing and controlling STDs. The STI CTG will continue that work by providing the infrastructure and funding for conducting clinical trials.