A.I.D.S. Vaccine Years Away, Say Scientists (Press, 18 March 1987)
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Summary: A.I.D.S. Vaccine Years Away, Say Scientists (Press, 18 March 1987)
A recent survey involving 227 biomedical scientists suggests that a vaccine and cure for AIDS may be available by the year 2010. The findings indicate that 28 per cent of scientists expect a cure will become generally available within the 1990s, while 24 per cent predict it will be achieved in the first decade of the 21st century. Conversely, 15 per cent of respondents believed that a cure may never be found. The survey also provided insight into other health concerns, with 34 per cent of scientists citing cardiovascular disease as the leading health issue in industrialised nations by the year 2000, followed by age-related problems at 27 per cent, and only 7 per cent identifying AIDS as a significant health challenge. In a related development, the British Government has approved a new life-prolonging drug for AIDS patients. The drug, known as Retrovir (AZT), is not a cure and does not prevent infection, but it has shown promise in alleviating symptoms and extending the lives of those affected. The Secretary of Health, Mr. Norman Fowler, announced that the British drug company Wellcome Foundation has received a product licence to market Retrovir immediately. Clinical trials have included approximately 3,000 patients in the United States and around 300 in Europe, including a dozen British participants. Reports indicate that those who began taking Retrovir a year ago are still alive. The cost of the medication is expected to be around £125 ($352) for 100 pills, but it is anticipated that Retrovir will be available through the National Health Service (NHS). Patients are required to take six to ten pills daily for the treatment. A representative from the drug company acknowledged that while Retrovir may not be effective for every patient and does come with potential side effects, it has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for many individuals living with AIDS, offering them renewed hope.
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