California biotech company, Sangamo BioSciences Inc. is getting ready to start human trials on its new HIV drug that suppresses HIV by actually disrupting the patients DNA. The new approach is based upon the fact that people with a mutation of the gene CCR5 resists HIV progression to AIDS. This is so because certain strains of HIV attach to CCR5 receptors on CD4 cells, allowing HIV to use that cell for replication. Sangamo's drug SB-728-T disrupts CCR5 by slicing open molecules. The new drug is a substance called a zinc finger nuclease; a compound that can slice open molecules. This process damages CCR5 receptors, making it impossible for HIV to attach to the CD4 cell and replicate. In the next phase of testing, the company plans to remove CD4 cells from HIV patients, treat them with the drug and then re-infuse them. The hope is these damaged cells will thrive and multiply and give the patient an immune system resistant to HIV.
Related Information
- A CCR5 Inhibitor - Maraviroc
- Participating in Research - What You Need to Know
- 10 Questions to Ask Before Getting Involved in Clinical Trials
What Do You Think?
A drug that attacks a person's DNA - does that scare you? What do you think about a drug that splits open molecules? Let me know.
Don’t know if this link will attach, but a good overview of what this technology is about, it is not about destroying, it is about re-writing a specific area on one gene. This technology is undergoing other phase trials for different human conditions at this time and has passed safety stages of FDA approval.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ah8lZ4sZFw&eurl=http://www.sciencentral.com/video/2008/08/22/hiv-immune-cells/%3C/font%3E%3C/u%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/div%3E
I am a share holder of SGMO, but truly believe this technology has the promise of changing the human condition.
This could be a significant turning point.
This is some exciting news. I have been living with HIV for a long time and had devellop every resistance possible. Just the idea of a med that can suppress it gives me chills of joy. Cannot wait.
I was so undevoted. I didn’t even have the motivation. I was just heretically lying, betraying, and trying to not be foresaken therefore, I didn’t want to end up in abandon. I tell you this because it is my free-will. I just have these thoughts towards making an effort, and this makes me strive for a change, strive for a cure, to give a helping hand to one of the many who are in need. It is just this much importance to me, (&)(&O’s U) thanks for your compostural composition, composite of a compound to comply and comprehend (I trust that you will take in the careful strategic agenda, organized, itenerary, schedule, tactic, pre-programmed contemporary classic abbreviated version of why it means so much to help (the big help_) one of the most inclusive contenders in compliance with the one’s in need.
the conglamorate corporate culture can consider the collaboration of companions
I think it is great, just watched documentary on this new cutting edge medical breakthrough. Also in the documentary some hope for curing cancer, sars, alzheimers, and many other horrible diseases. Don’t let the FDA stop you or the drug companies intervene because they may lose money. This is wonderful news. Cure these diseases!