There have been some new pharmaceutical developments that seem to hold out promise in combating HIV/AIDS. According to The Washington Post:
Two experiments in monkeys showed that antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, given by mouth or by vaginal gel, were highly effective in blocking infection by the virus that causes AIDS.
A third study, in 3,100 women in the United States and Africa, showed a small amount of protection from a vaginal gel that acts by binding up the AIDS virus and preventing it from invading cells.
Many experts believe that, short of a vaccine, a virus-blocking substance that could be inserted in the vagina or rectum before sexual activity would be the most important tool in fighting the AIDS pandemic. Numerous topical microbicides have been tried, but none have worked, and two have actually increased the risk of infection.
Obviously the ramifications of any successes in fighting HIV/AIDS is especially good news for Africa. Let’s hope these findings bode well for the near future.
