In Memoriam: Andrew Zysman, M.D.

San Francisco activist Andrew S. Zysman, M.D., died of AIDS
complications on October 12. He was 38.

We knew Andy's work through the ACT UP/Golden Gate Treatment
Issues Committee. He focused on research on new treatments
for Kaposi's sarcoma, making many trips to Washington to
bring together government and corporate scientists and
officials so that important trials could proceed.

Andy noticed that Japanese companies, with almost no
experience with the U.S. drug-approval system, often teamed
up with consultants who had plenty of experience in how the
FDA worked five or ten years ago. When mistakes were made,
research stopped; the system has no mechanism to identify
these problems and overcome them. Andy provided relevant
advice, which was often followed. In at least one case, he
made important contributions to involving the U.S. National
Cancer Institute, which has plenty of FDA experience, in a
critical drug development effort, after corporate-FDA
communication had bogged down.

Scientists and officials relied on Andy and other treatment
activists, who -- like bees pollinating flowers -- carried
important messages between them when egos and organizational
constraints prevented direct communication.

Andy was also a leader on other AIDS issues, including
getting an annual price cap on acyclovir to protect those who
must use large, ongoing doses. As a member of the governing
board of the American Association of Physicians for Human
Rights, he testified before the Centers for Disease Control
and helped to prevent mandatory testing (and de facto
dismissal) of HIV-positive healthcare workers.

A memorial service will be held in San Francisco in mid
November. For more information, call 415/552-1428.