In 1989, Dr. Paul Rothman, a physician, and Matthew Rushton, a Hollywood producer, created the AIDS Research Alliance (ARA). Both Rothman and Rushton were HIV-positive, and they wanted to bring physicians together to conduct medical research on the disease. Today, the ARA continues to conduct independent, non-profit clinical research, focusing on developing anti-HIV drugs and medical approaches that can prevent the spread of HIV. In 2006, there were about 40 million people worldwide living with HIV/AIDS; the ARA envisions a world without HIV, and where new infections are prevented.