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July 31st, 2008, 10:21 GMT · By Gabriel Gache

Researchers Claim the Discovery of a Possible Cure for HIV

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Scanning electron microscope image of the HIV virus
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Researchers of the University of Texas Medical School in Houston have recently announced that they might have found a way to fight off the human immunodeficiency virus for good by altering the part of its genetic code than never mutates. So far the laboratory tests indicate that the technique is effective, although until it is tested on humans it cannot
be implemented as a possible cure. But even if it works, it could take at least five years before it may be able to treat people infected with HIV.

"The virus is truly complex and has many tricks up its sleeve. We've discovered the weak spot of HIV. The virus needs at least one constant region, and that is the essence of calling it the Achilles heel," states Dr. Sudhir Paul of the University of Texas Medical School. He also says that people could take advantage of this weakness with the help of a monoclonal antibody known as abzyme, which is naturally produced in the human body. "What we already have in our hand are the abzymes that we could be infusing into the human subjects with HIV infection, essentially to move the virus," he added.

When interacting with abzymes, the HIV virus is basically rendered harmless and could theoretically be controlled in order to reduce the effects of the disease and the risk of infecting other people. The next step, Dr. Sudhir said, is to start human trials, although the much needed funding for this crucial step has so far failed to appear.

"Clinical trials are very expensive. That is the worry of the researcher. This is what nightmares are made of - that after 30 years of work, you find it doesn't work. This is the holy grail of HIV research, to develop a preventative vaccine," Dr. Sudhir said. "If we can get the viral loads down to a manageable level, that will preclude the need for these conventional drugs," added Dr. Miguel Escobar, part of Dr. Sudhir's research team.
FILED UNDER:
HIV
AIDS
abzyme
mutation

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READER COMMENTS:


Comment #1 by: Moses Cuevas on 28 Nov 2008, 04:38 UTC reply to this comment

I have just recently been diagnosed with the HIV-virus just over this last weekend (my lymph nodes were swollen). Although the comformatory tests still need to come in I am in despair like I have never been in my life. I never thought that my future would be this. I feel as though I have been struck down with an ice sickle the size of a lighting bolt, as though my life is over-. Plz, I need help. How could I donate to the University of Texas Medical School in Houston? And if they haven't done so already, why do they not ask the general public for help (with funding through donations)? And for anyone who is reading this plz do something! Find out how to donate to the University of Texas Medical School in Houston specifically for the HIV cure then send at least a dollar.


Comment #2 by: Ranjan on 11 Dec 2008, 14:03 UTC reply to this comment

Why do you need 5 years to come out with the cure. I just pray you come out successfully in less than an year.


Comment #3 by: charles on 06 Jan 2009, 19:58 UTC reply to this comment

Moses, your fear is understandable, but you will be OK.
I was diagnosed with HIV a year ago and was horribly sick
with pneumosystis.
I was 100% sure that (a) everything good
in my life had come to an abrupt end, (b) I was going to rapidly deteriorate
and die (c) every other human on the planet would hate and shun me.
Add to that the fact that the mutation of the virus I have was already
resistant to most of the available meds and I was truly terrified and in despair.
One very difficult year later, I am alive and well, the
virus is undetectable, I have gained many friends from my HIV support group,
found a lot of strength inside myself and, though my life has definitely changed,
it is not really so different than it was before. Yes, there are difficulties
and concerns, but so far I have been able to rise to meet them.
I have even recently begun to date again, and have been very careful
to inform my dates before any sexual contact happens. Much to my surprise,
no one has fled from me or rejected me, and (so far) the response has
only been to have them say something like "thanks for telling me" and then
we are very, very safe, for their safety and mine as well.
It's been almost 6 weeks since your post. Hopefully you are in the care
of a good HIV specialist and have found a support group to help you
through this. If not, don't waste any more time, go find them now.
Follow your doctor's advice, stick to your meds, get the support you need
and you will be OK.
The abzyme research is fascinating and offers hope, but even with adequate
funding it will take years for the results to reach those who need it.
For now, you should concentrate on taking care of yourself (health, emotions,
friends, support) and educating yourself about the virus and how to
handle it. There is hope. Your life will be different than before,
but there is much life still for you to enjoy.

Comment #3.1 by: flip on 22 Sep 2010, 23:30 GMT

thanks for this.... it is true you will survive!!! and live well. If anything it makes you take care of your responsibilities... YOURSELF!!!


Comment #4 by: Andrew on 24 Feb 2009, 12:18 UTC reply to this comment

How can I donate to the research being carried out for a cure for HIV Aids at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston?


Comment #5 by: Doug Frayne on 01 May 2009, 23:34 UTC reply to this comment

I was I was diagnosed in 1986. We had no drugs then. It was really scary.

Talk to your doctor and don’t give up hope.

Antiretroviral drugs can keep you alive for decades.

I am taking Atripa and Vancyclovir.
Fight like hell and you will stay alive.
Don’t listen to the nonsense about waiting before you use drugs. The sooner i the beter, You will likely have to take pills everyday of your life but you will survive.


Comment #6 by: Chris on 20 Jul 2009, 21:03 UTC reply to this comment

Here is a link to an update article by Dr. Sudhir Paul:

http://www.uth.tmc.edu/pathology/research/circ/hivtherapyandvaccination.htm


Comment #7 by: Laraba on 09 Aug 2010, 11:33 UTC reply to this comment

Iam happy about this development. It is my prayer that God will give the researchers knowledge 2 finaly discover d cure of Hiv.


Comment #8 by: Baby Jesus on 10 Aug 2010, 13:52 UTC reply to this comment

I was praying to god; and hopefully god has answered...


Comment #9 by: shanan on 29 Sep 2010, 00:21 UTC reply to this comment

i am on antiretroviral meds and the drugs are messing with my brains, it's making me depressed. i hope these reserchers get the funding needed. And i also hope it's really a cure and not another treatment. hope it would be available world wide.


Comment #10 by: Lincon Muteta on 19 Oct 2010, 14:52 UTC reply to this comment

Hi,am writting from Zimbabwe and would like to ask how far you have gone with the possible cure for H.I.V,if you do sent newsletters am very much to receive them on the update,my name is Lincon Muteta and you can sent me the info at my e-mail address which is mutetalee@yahoo.com,your help is very much appriciated,sometimes just knowing how far researchers have gone will give someone hope,thanks for your understanding


Comment #11 by: peter on 29 Mar 2011, 03:47 UTC reply to this comment

I am on atripla since last week. My brain cannot work very well as I took meds before. I hope those side effects can go away asap. I really hope there is a cure medicine or whatever. I want to be cured. please..

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