Dr. Ho's Next Step in AIDS Research Is a Remarkable Gamble

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1996. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Dr. Ho's Next Step in AIDS Research Is a Remarkable Gamble

Wall Street Journal (12/17/96) P. A1
Waldholz, Michael

Abstract: As part of a study to determine whether the new AIDS drugs can rid the body of HIV, 21 subjects in a study led by Dr. David Ho are being asked to stop taking the drugs that have helped them fight off disease. Critics say the move is an attempt by Ho to generate publicity for himself and the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center which he heads. The experiment could also threaten the health of his patients and falsely raise hopes of others with HIV. Ho defends himself, noting, "We are asking critical questions that need to be asked, pushing the virus as hard as we can, probably harder than anyone else." Many of the patients involved in the trial have gone a whole year without detectable virus in their blood. None have agreed to go off the therapy yet, but the researchers will continue to ask them periodically. Ho argues that if the virus reappears the patients can resume drug therapy.

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