Answers provided by:

Question:
A year ago I read about Gene Silencing. The newspaper report said that Indian scientist have found the gene that aids replication of the HIV virus and if this gene is engineered or silenced the replication of the HIV virus would stop, of course this doesn't mean the infection is cured. What's happened to this research and how far are we from clinical use of this genetic engineering technology?

Answer:
Gene silencing has been in the works for a few years, and I know of no pending breakthroughs for any clinical applications. It the case of HIV, there would be several viral genes that might be targets. Perhaps some drug company is nearly ready for clinical trials, or perhaps we won't hear more for a few years. It is just one of many areas where fascinating and promising concepts are advancing in medicine.

Question:
How far are we in terms of days or months or years from a cure to HIV/AIDs?

Answer:
No one can honestly answer that question. My hope and guess is that within the lifetime of people on this planet today, there will be a "cure." Whether this will be due to better use of medications, new medications, or an entirely different approach, I can only speculate, but I believe that the problem is not so complicated that it can't be solved. Many challenges remain, though.

070130
ASKD070115

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, John M. Lloyd Foundation, Roche and Trimeris, John M. Lloyd Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980,2007. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.