Premium Content:

Two Breakthroughs in HIV Research

HIVResearchers have made a major breakthrough in HIV research by investigating the properties of a Samoan tree bark.

US scientists believe that a synthetic version of the traditional Samoan medicine could have a positive effect in the treatment of HIV.

- Advertisement -

The traditional medicine which has been used to treat hepatitis in Samoa is created from the bark of the mamala tree.

A recent meeting of the American Chemical Society was told that the bark contains prostratin, which can be used to activate HIV viruses inside latent cells. Researchers are currently creating a synthetic version of prostratin which will be 100 times stronger than the natural version.

The project’s lead researcher, Professor Paul Wender, has spoken to the ABC’s Pacific Beat program saying that until now most treatments have been focused on treating the active virus.

“What we hope to do is to get at the root of the disease, rather than snipping off leaves above ground, as is the case right now. It’s very, very important to do, it stops progression of HIV-AIDS, but we need to get at the root,” said Professor Wender.

Meanwhile at the Oregon Health & Science University researchers have discovered a vaccine they have been developed had a 50% success rate in destroying  HIV in monkeys. The vaccine is a combination of the AIDS virus in monkeys and an ancient virus carried by humans. The team expect to start clinical trials in 2016.

OIP Staff

 

 

Latest

Bell Shakespeare is taking on ‘Romeo & Juliet’

The production features Madeline Li as Juliet and Ryan Hodson as Romeo.

Review | ‘Beauty and the Beast’ brings a Disney favourite to Crown

A classic Disney tale has spectacularly sprung to life on the stage of Crown Theatre.

On This Gay Day | The acronym AIDS is proposed in Washington

On this day in 1982, the acronym AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is first proposed at a meeting in Washington.

NSW LGBTQIA+ festival at risk over NRL scheduling conflict

A major LGBTQIA+ festival in the Central Coast may not go ahead this year, due to the NRL grand final in Sydney.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Bell Shakespeare is taking on ‘Romeo & Juliet’

The production features Madeline Li as Juliet and Ryan Hodson as Romeo.

Review | ‘Beauty and the Beast’ brings a Disney favourite to Crown

A classic Disney tale has spectacularly sprung to life on the stage of Crown Theatre.

On This Gay Day | The acronym AIDS is proposed in Washington

On this day in 1982, the acronym AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is first proposed at a meeting in Washington.

NSW LGBTQIA+ festival at risk over NRL scheduling conflict

A major LGBTQIA+ festival in the Central Coast may not go ahead this year, due to the NRL grand final in Sydney.

10 Nights in Port: Winter festival set to heat up Fremantle

Fremantle is heating up this winter with the return of the fabulous 10 Nights In Port festival.

Bell Shakespeare is taking on ‘Romeo & Juliet’

The production features Madeline Li as Juliet and Ryan Hodson as Romeo.

Review | ‘Beauty and the Beast’ brings a Disney favourite to Crown

A classic Disney tale has spectacularly sprung to life on the stage of Crown Theatre.

On This Gay Day | The acronym AIDS is proposed in Washington

On this day in 1982, the acronym AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is first proposed at a meeting in Washington.