Proven A.I.D.S. Vaccine Still Years Away (Press, 7 January 1988)

As the year 1988 begins, approximately 25 potential AIDS vaccines are in various testing phases, although scientists believe a proven vaccine is still years away. American experts have indicated that a limited treatment for AIDS is already available, with additional, potentially more effective drugs believed to be close to distribution. By the end of 1987, the global number of AIDS cases had reached an estimated 150,000, and the World Health Organisation predicts this figure could double to around 300,000 in 1988. The virus is transmitted through sexual contact, infected blood, and from mother to child, with millions more infected with the AIDS virus but yet to exhibit symptoms. AIDS, which compromises the body's ability to combat disease, has rapidly become one of the world's most feared illnesses since its discovery just six years ago. It is invariably fatal and can be spread by individuals who may not show signs of the disease. The virus's ability to remain dormant in the body for years means that many victims are unaware they are infected and capable of transmitting the virus. Researchers have faced challenges in developing a vaccine due to the virus's complexity and a lack of suitable test animals. Dr Robert Gallo, a leading AIDS researcher and co-discoverer of the virus, noted that chimpanzees and gibbons are the only known animals that can be infected with the human AIDS virus. Additionally, the existence of many variants of the virus complicates vaccine development; what may be effective against one strain might be ineffective against another. Currently, two vaccines have been approved in the United States for human trials, both in the early experimental stages. A third vaccine, developed by French scientist Daniel Zagury, has demonstrated limited effectiveness in boosting immunity against infection. Zagury, who has drawn attention by injecting himself with the experimental vaccine, described it as a potential prototype for future vaccines. The introduction of AZT (zidovudine), a drug that alleviates AIDS symptoms and extends patients' lives, has provided hope to many sufferers. Initially approved for sale in Britain in early 1987, AZT is now licensed in 37 countries and is being administered to around 19,000 AIDS patients worldwide. Despite being expensive and highly toxic for many, the drug has been effective in restoring brain function and strengthening the immune system, allowing many patients to return to more fulfilling lives. Dr Samuel Broder from the United States National Cancer Institute stated that AZT has led to a significant increase in survival rates, and ongoing trials are exploring the combination of AZT with another compound called DDC to reduce AZT's toxic side effects.

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