AIDS Funds Taken From Research, Given to Clinics

Creating a debate that pits scientists against AIDS activists, the Legislature has diverted funds from the University of California’s AIDS research budget to help pay for early treatment of those infected with the deadly virus.

UC scientists argue that the $1.8-million cutback could significantly harm AIDS research in California.

“If this trend continues, it’s going to be devastating for the program,” said Dr. Nirmal K. Das, director of the university-wide AIDS Research Program. “We’re going to lose credibility among (medical) investigators. We’re not going to be able to expand our research or attract a new generation of researchers.”

The UC program, the state’s main AIDS research vehicle, had a budget last fiscal year of $10.5 million, and the same amount was proposed for this year before the diversion. Scientists said that since the program’s inception in 1983, it has made such important advances as isolation of the human-immunodeficiency virus in 1984, discovery of how HIV replicates itself within cells and testing of the anti-HIV drug AZT.

Many AIDS activists, while not disputing the important medical advances made by UC researchers, argue that other programs should take precedence in this tight budget year. They say the most urgent need is for early treatment and counseling of those diagnosed as HIV-positive, for their own sake and to prevent the spread of the virus.

Gov. George Deukmejian has budgeted only $3.5 million for early-intervention programs, compared to $40 million proposed by the AIDS Budget Task Force, a group of doctors and activists convened annually to advise the Legislature on AIDS funding.

Acting on the group’s recommendation, Assemblyman John Vasconcellos, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, proposed in late June that the Senate-Assembly conference committee on the budget strip $3.6 million from the UC research budget. The Santa Clara Democrat scaled back his request to $1.8 million after other committee members argued for a smaller cut.

The diversion of AIDS funds is part of the spending program contained in the conference committee report and approved Tuesday by the Senate. The measure still must be approved by the Senate and Assembly and signed by Gov. Deukmejian.