Stem cells containing protective genes may provide permanent control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in infected individuals, according to research presented at the American Society of Gene Therapy 12th Annual Meeting, May 30.

In a landmark study, researchers demonstrated that a hematopoietic stem cell therapy could safely and effectively provide long-lasting control of HIV.

“This study was the first phase II randomized, controlled, double-blind study for cell-delivered HIV gene therapy and the first controlled HIV gene therapy study to show positive impact on viral load and CD4 count,” said Geoff Symonds, PhD, senior research director at Calimmune, Inc. “This study is a major advance in the field and it paves the way for future treatment with this new therapeutic paradigm.”

Seventy-four patients were enrolled in the study’s two treatment arms. There were no serious adverse events reported from the gene therapy.

An estimated 1 million Americans and 35 million individuals worldwide, are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Conventional HIV treatments, such as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), are effective at slowing the disease’s progression by controlling the amount of virus in the body. These therapies, however, require a lifelong regimen of medications and are hindered by severe side effects and immense costs.

The American Society of Gene Therapy (ASGT) 12th Annual Meeting is the world’s largest scientific meeting surrounding the latest developments in gene and cell therapy, attended by nearly 2,000 researchers from around the world and featuring 60 scientific presentations.

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ASGT

Thailand has set a goal of reducing by half the number of new HIV cases in the country by 2011, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Wednesday, TNA/MCOT English News reports. Abhisit was speaking at the opening ceremony of the three-day 12th National Seminar on AIDS, which more than 2,500 HIV-positive people, students, and participants from Thai agencies, private sector groups and international organizations are expected to attend. The seminar will focus on the government’s plan to reduce new cases by 2011 and the national HIV/AIDS action plan.

“The government’s plan, if successful, will be the result of cooperation from all sides,” Abhisit said. He added that statistics indicate that one in four new HIV infections occur among men who have sex with men. In addition, new cases among married women in the country have increased by 30% to 40%, according to Abhisit. He said that he will be involved in a campaign to promote fidelity among married couples in the country (TNA/MCOT English News, 5/27).

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