Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Associated Press - 14 Aug 95
The Food and Drug Administration confirmed Monday that it has approved the study. Now researchers are awaiting final safety clearance from a hospital, and expect to perform the experiment in October, said Dr. Steven Deeks of the University of California, San Francisco, who will perform the operation.
HIV, the AIDS virus, destroys the body's immune system so that patients can no longer fight off infections.
Bone marrow contains stem cells that manufacture the body's blood cells, including immune cells. The theory is that baboon stem cells -- which do not get infected with HIV -- might help repopulate a human's blood with immune cells.
An FDA advisory committee last month warned that the operation probably would kill the recipient and must be carefully controlled to ensure that diseases baboons carry don't spread to humans. But the committee recommended going ahead to prove whether baboons hold a key to fighting AIDS.
A leading candidate for the experiment is Jeff Getty of San Francisco, who made headlines accusing the FDA of delaying the study. Researchers sought FDA approval of the trial in June, and the agency added safety precautions before quietly approving it on Aug. 4.
The two baboons slated for the experiment have five known viruses, and the FDA advisers last month insisted researchers look for healthier ones. They have found a baboon in Texas that appears free of foamy virus, the disease of most concern to humans, and are studying whether it would be a better marrow donor, Deeks said. If so, preparing the baboon could slightly delay the trial.
Copyright 1995/The Associated Press. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Permissions Desk, The Associated Press, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020.
950814
AP950813
Copyright © 1995 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1995. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
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, 1995. 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. .