Some progress to reports in the so-far elusive quest to find a vaccine for the human immunodeficiency virus ...
Government scientists announce the discovery of three powerful antibodies, the "strongest of which neutralizes 91% of HIV strains, more than any AIDS antibody yet discovered." The antibodies were discovered in the cells of a "60-year-old African American gay man identified as 'Donor 45'" and the discovery could have a substantial implications on HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and research in the black and black gay communities.
CNN's Don Lemon discussed the findings with Black AIDS Institute CEO Phill Wilson. "This is fantastic news [because] clearly our best hope of ending HIV are with a vaccine," Wilson said. "This is a case study on why we should all be involved in research, particularly African Americans. The antibodies were found in a black gay man."
Watch the video HERE ...
The study was funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The data will be presented next week at the XVIII International AIDS Conference in Vienna.
The White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) and the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA)—Phill Wilson is a member—will present the National HIV/AIDS Strategy on Tuesday. This at the same the recession has created a major funding crisis for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program.
White House announces $25M emergency re-allocation to ADAP. HIV advocates say an additional $126M is needed.
HIV testing expansion bill advances in New York. The bill mandates all doctors to offer HIV tests to patients ages 13 to 64. The bill has passed the Senate and Assembly and awaits Gov. Paterson's signature.
Want to get tested? Click HERE for your closest location.
Wow, having graduated with a biology degree (and in a prime demographic for HIV infection)I'm really interested in those antibodies, and they got them from a black gay man? That's kinda awesome.
What's not as awesome is 126 million needed for ADAP? It really seems like a small amount of money for a nationwide program. Do private donors give to federal programs? Where's Bill and Melinda Gates? Bill Clinton? Oprah, Alicia Keys, Bloomberg?
Posted by: Procrastination_Xtravaganza | 12 July 2010 at 08:54
This makes me smile today! One step closer to an ADDITIONAL preventive measure! Science can do so many things, why not find a cure!
Posted by: DBarr | 12 July 2010 at 09:35
I said this last year and I will say this again that I feel that an HIV vaccine will be happen during Obama's administration. Change is coming, ya'll.....
Posted by: Fred | 12 July 2010 at 17:16