Inching Toward A Cure
09.15.08 Filed in: Tissues /
Blog
NEWS FROM THE
17th ANNUAL International AIDS CONFERENCE
The discovery
Researchers from the University of Texas have discovered HIV’s Achilles heel -
a tiny strand of amino acids in a key viral surface protein that never mutates. They’ve also engineered an antibody that latches onto the genetic material and destroys the virus.
The Significance
Past efforts to fight HIV infections have been thwarted by HIV’s ability to mutate. With the discovery of a vulnerable, unchanging part of the virus and a compound that homes in on it, the researchers have uncovered what some are saying could be a cure.
What’s Next
Lab and animal studies have been competed, and the researchers are now securing funding for the human trials. In the world of HIV research however, it is the human trials where things fal apart. Even without a hitch, a marketable product is at least 5 years away.
Say a prayer that all goes well for your Brothers and Sisters fighting this disease.
The discovery
Researchers from the University of Texas have discovered HIV’s Achilles heel -
a tiny strand of amino acids in a key viral surface protein that never mutates. They’ve also engineered an antibody that latches onto the genetic material and destroys the virus.
The Significance
Past efforts to fight HIV infections have been thwarted by HIV’s ability to mutate. With the discovery of a vulnerable, unchanging part of the virus and a compound that homes in on it, the researchers have uncovered what some are saying could be a cure.
What’s Next
Lab and animal studies have been competed, and the researchers are now securing funding for the human trials. In the world of HIV research however, it is the human trials where things fal apart. Even without a hitch, a marketable product is at least 5 years away.
Say a prayer that all goes well for your Brothers and Sisters fighting this disease.
