Rutgers researchers may have stopped HIV

[Beetwasher]

Piscataway, N.J. — Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a trio of drugs they believe can destroy HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, according to a published report.

The drugs, called DAPYs, mimic the virus by changing shape, which enables them to interfere with the way HIV attacks the immune system.

Tests conducted in conjunction with Johnson and Johnson have shown the drug to be easily absorbed with minimal side effects. It also can be taken in one pill, in contrast to the drug cocktails currently taken by many AIDS patients.

“This could be it,” Stephen Smith, the head of the department of infectious diseases at Saint Michael's Medical Center in Newark, said. “We're all looking for the next class of drugs.”

--snip--

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20041212.waids1212/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/

Some good news for a change! I work in Reproductive Health research and the community very excited and guardedly optimistic about this work!

[Occulus]

1. Could this lead to more effective treatments for other viruses? n/t

[Beetwasher]

4. That is a Possibility

from what I understand, but just for the record, I'm NOT a scientist. I manage the projects, but I don't do the science. I'm very eager to actually read the published work (haven't had a chance yet) and then discuss it w/ my some of my friends (microbiologists)!

[Stephanie]

2. link?

thanks!

[Beetwasher]

5. Fixed, sorry!

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20041212.waids1212/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/

[Liberal Veteran]

3. Having read the article, I think the headline was misleading.

While it would be a MAJOR breakthrough if drug resistance was overcome, this is not a cure.

You would still be required to take these drugs for life.

[tk2kewl]

6. Hey! It it prevents death from full blown AIDS that's funking fantastic!

where's the link?

my bro is HIV+

[Beetwasher]

9. Link there now

n/t

[Liberal Veteran]

11. Yes, it would be if it works as they think it will.

Having HIV myself and being on meds for almost 5 years, I would like to see a once daily drug with no chance of resistance. I just wanted to clarify so nobody confused this with a cure.

[justinsb]

7. At least there are vaccines in the testing phase

http://www.hvtn.org/

[Beetwasher]

8. I'd Agree With You if it Said "Cured"

But it says "may have stopped", which it presumedly would do. It wouldn't cure, but it would stop the spread and progression of the virus, so the title is accurate, IMO.

[Liberal Veteran]

10. Yes, but unfortunately many people don't understand the distinction...

...especially in our current society.

Other headlines were even less clear. I just don't want anyone to get the idea that this is a cure.

[Liberal Veteran]

12. Here is a link to a much more in-depth article on this

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-19/1102833719277730.xml