A.I.D.S. Drug Underground Helps Spread Treatment... (Press, 5 August 1987)

In a significant development for A.I.D.S. patients in the United States, many are turning to underground resources for information and experimental drug treatments, as mainstream medical options remain limited. Eight years into the epidemic, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved AZT (zidovudine) as a treatment for A.I.D.S., which is expensive and does not provide a cure. This lack of options has led patients to seek alternative therapies through underground drug hotlines, newsletters, and "guerrilla clinics." Over 5000 A.I.D.S. and A.I.D.S.-Related Complex patients are now receiving free treatment with DNCB (dinitrochlorobenzene), an immune booster available at approximately 90 guerrilla clinics across 45 cities. In New York, the People With A.I.D.S. Coalition distributes AL-721, a treatment that can be created at home using ingredients like egg yolk or soy lecithin. Many patients, including those in advanced stages of the disease, report significant benefits from using AL-721. One of the major players in this underground network is San Francisco’s Project Inform, which initially focused on obtaining two drugs, Ribavirin and Isoprinosene, from Mexico. The organisation has since expanded its role, now providing information on over half a dozen experimental treatments and handling about 3000 inquiries monthly. Their hot-line connects patients with various clinics across the country. With A.I.D.S. claiming 22,000 lives in the U.S. and leaving 16,000 individuals ill, there is a growing demand for alternative treatments and participation in medical studies on new drugs. The underground network is also lauded by some activists for helping to warn patients against dangerous or fraudulent cures. Despite their unofficial status, guerrilla clinics have not faced prosecution as they operate on the premise of not committing fraud. As more doctors witness the death of their patients, there is an increasing tendency for them to cooperate with individuals seeking alternative treatments. Bill Wood from Project Inform noted that these medical professionals are beginning to consider safe alternatives for their patients. John James, another prominent figure in the organisation, publishes a biweekly newsletter detailing new and potential A.I.D.S. treatments. He aims to provide information including the recipes for homemade treatments like AL-721 and updates on experimental therapies. Although he acknowledges that he should not be in this position and that the government should have taken action sooner, he works to address the urgent need for information. Overall, many A.I.D.S. patients resonate with the sentiment that they need to take matters into their own hands due to the slow pace of traditional drug testing, as their survival depends on immediate access to alternatives. The FDA has begun to ease its regulations, allowing greater access to experimental drugs, although critics express concerns about potential exploitation by unscrupulous individuals. Nonetheless, advocates maintain that the FDA's standards remain robust.

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