Los Angeles, California -
Three studies are set to be launched early next year in India to test the ability of Viread to prevent HIV infection.
Viread, known generically as 'tenofovir' is manufactured by California-based Gilead Sciences Inc.
The pill is already widely used to treat AIDS, but now it is sparking hope that it can act as a shield against HIV virus, which causes AIDS. In 1995, studies in animals showed that taking the drug prior to HIV exposure prevented the virus from taking hold.
The drug is also being used as a morning-after treatment. In cases of accidental HIV exposure by police and health care workers, some doctors are prescribing it for 30 days as part of a cocktail of drugs aimed at killing the virus before it proliferates in the body.
Recently, the drug has begun to generate street buzz among men who want to take it as a daily dose of prevention in the event they should become exposed to the AIDS virus.
A preventive is the only real hope of containing the spread of HIV, which already infects 40 million people worldwide. Scientists had hoped a vaccine would fulfill that role, but after years of inconclusive or failed attempts, researchers believe a vaccine is a decade or two away.
The tests in India are being financed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the US Government.
The Microsoft founder and his wife have pledged $200 million to battle AIDS in India.
by Mary Ellen Peterson
365Gay.com Newscenter
Los Angeles Bureau
©365Gay.com® 2003
Viread, known generically as 'tenofovir' is manufactured by California-based Gilead Sciences Inc.
The pill is already widely used to treat AIDS, but now it is sparking hope that it can act as a shield against HIV virus, which causes AIDS. In 1995, studies in animals showed that taking the drug prior to HIV exposure prevented the virus from taking hold.
The drug is also being used as a morning-after treatment. In cases of accidental HIV exposure by police and health care workers, some doctors are prescribing it for 30 days as part of a cocktail of drugs aimed at killing the virus before it proliferates in the body.
Recently, the drug has begun to generate street buzz among men who want to take it as a daily dose of prevention in the event they should become exposed to the AIDS virus.
A preventive is the only real hope of containing the spread of HIV, which already infects 40 million people worldwide. Scientists had hoped a vaccine would fulfill that role, but after years of inconclusive or failed attempts, researchers believe a vaccine is a decade or two away.
The tests in India are being financed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the US Government.
The Microsoft founder and his wife have pledged $200 million to battle AIDS in India.
by Mary Ellen Peterson
365Gay.com Newscenter
Los Angeles Bureau
©365Gay.com® 2003
This article originally appeared on 365gay.com. Republished with permission.
