"The immune system demonstrated an unexpected capacity for recovery after DermaVir vaccinations in these monkeys, some of which had already progressed to AIDS before starting treatment," states lead researcher, Julianna Lisziewicz, Ph.D. Though the immune control is not permanent, data shows that antiviral activity of immune responses induced by DermaVir are significantly longer than that of existing antiviral drugs. It is suggested that DermaVir would only need to be re-administered periodically, about 8 times a year, rather than daily.
Current antiretroviral therapies used to treat HIV combine several medications and are sometimes referred to as "cocktails." Together, these drugs work to prevent the virus from multiplying. DermaVir is different from these treatments in that it induces HIV-specific immune reconstitution rather than targeting the virus, and is applied to the skin, rather than orally or through injection. Combined with antiretroviral drugs, DermaVir has shown to be more effective than when used alone, and does not have overlapping resistance or toxic characteristics that would otherwise compromise its effectiveness. Additionally, DermaVir side effects are minimal (skin irritation); thus patients might be able to avoid the excessive toxicities of anti-HIV cocktails.
According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, there are currently about 39.4 million people worldwide who are living with HIV/AIDS. Of that number, 4.9 million were newly infected with HIV just this year. Globally, just under half of all people living with HIV are female. The numbers are steadily increasing for women and girls particularly in Eastern Europe, Asia andLatin America.
This study is published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. Media wishing to receive a PDF of the article contact medicalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net.
About the Author
Julianna Lisziewicz, Ph.D. received her degrees from the University of Budapest, Hungary and Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine in Gottingen, Germany. She is currently President and Founder of Genetic Immunity, LLC and Scientific Co-Director and Founder of RIGHT (Research Institute for Genetic and Human Therapy). Dr. Lisziewicz has been published extensively in numerous peer-reviewed journals on the topic of HIV/AIDS. She can be reached for questions and interviews at 202-338-9582 or lisziewj@geneticimmunity.com.
About the Journal of Investigative Dermatology
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology (JID) publishes papers describing original research relevant to all aspects of cutaneous biology and skin disease. The spectrum of interest is indicated by the breadth of the editorial staff and includes biochemistry, biophysics, carcinogenesis, cellular growth and regulation, clinical research, development, epidemiology, extracellular matrix, genetics, immunology, melanocyte biology, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, pathology, pharmacology and percutaneous absorption, photobiology, physiology, and structure. It is published on behalf of the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) and the European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR).
About Blackwell Publishing
Blackwell Publishing is the world's leading society publisher, partnering with more than 550 academic and professional societies. Blackwell publishes over 750 journals and 600 text and reference books annually, across a wide range of academic, medical, and professional subjects.
Journal
Journal of Investigative Dermatology