Alejandro Arenas-Pinto

Dr. Alejandro Arenas-Pinto is a Principal Research Fellow at University College London's Institute for Global Health and a Senior Clinical Scientist at the MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL. He holds dual appointments in the Department of Infection and Population Health, Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, and maintains clinical practice through honorary positions at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

His educational background includes:

• PhD from University College London (2007)
• MSc in Infectious and Health in the Tropics at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine with Distinction (2002)
• Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene from the Royal College of Physicians (2001)
• Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery from Universidad Central de Venezuela (1996)

Dr. Arenas-Pinto's research focuses on HIV clinical management and treatment strategies, with particular expertise in randomized clinical trials on HIV infection and associated complications, treatment strategies for HIV infection, adverse effects of antiretroviral treatment (especially mitochondrial toxicity), and HIV management in resource-limited settings. His work spans Clinical Sciences, Medical Microbiology, Epidemiology, Public Health, and Cardiovascular Medicine in HIV patients.

His extensive publication record demonstrates evolving research interests from foundational HIV treatment trials to emerging infectious diseases like mpox, and adaptations of research infrastructure for respiratory viruses. Recent work shows increasing focus on cardiovascular risk prediction in HIV patients and metabolic complications of long-term antiretroviral therapy.

His significant contributions include:

• Principal role in the PIVOT trial on protease inhibitor monotherapy for HIV management
• Contributions to the Strategic Timing of Antiretroviral Treatment (START) trial
• Research on neurocognitive function in HIV-positive patients
• Studies on hepatic steatosis in people living with HIV
• Investigations into mental health impacts on treatment adherence

As an educator, Dr. Arenas-Pinto serves as a module coordinator and examiner board member for the UCL ICTM MSc programme on Clinical Trials and teaches clinical research methodology in Latin America. His work aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well Being), reflecting his commitment to improving global health outcomes in infectious diseases and HIV care.