Grant: Operating Grant - PA: HIV/AIDS Research Initiative - Biomedical/Clinical Stream

Although current drug treatments have proven effective in preventing the progression of patients to AIDS, they are not a cure. This fact, coupled with the toxic side effects of the drugs and the increasing appearance of drug resistant forms of HIV-1, calls for continued investment in the discovery and evaluation of new treatment strategies. Our laboratory has recently identified a number of compounds that block expression of the virus through a novel mechanism, altering the metabolism of the viral RNA. Understanding how these compounds act and exploring alternative forms of the current compounds for their antiviral potency will allow development of these initial finding towards a novel therapy for this infection. Use of the drugs in conjunction with existing therapies offers the promise of improved control of this infection and extended life span for those affected.