New hope for HIV sufferers

A new way of combating the HIV virus is being tested on patients after research with monkeys, it was announced today. The drug targets the HIV enzyme integrase, which helps the virus invade immune cells. Blocking integrase can keep the virus in check by preventing it from hijacking cells and replicating.

But finding a way to stop the action of integrase has proved difficult. Researchers at pharmaceutical company Merck & Co today reported success with an integrase inhibitor that offered significant protection to monkeys. The drug, L-870812, was most effective when used at the start of an infection.

Viral levels were suppressed and the monkeys were able to hit back at the virus with a strong immune response. The scientists, led by Daria Hazuda in Pennsylvania, wrote in the journal Science: "Integrase inhibitors represent a new class of agents to treat HIV-1 infection."