Russian breakthrough in HIV research

Two HIV vaccines have been developed in Russia.
They are practically ready to be tested on volunteers. Assistant head physician of the State scientific center of virology and biotechnology (“Vector”) Sergey Hetesov shared the information. 

According to him, several Russian Institutes are currently doing research work in this field. Some of the major institutes are Institute of Immunology (located in Moscow), “Vector” (in Novosibirsk) and Biomedical center (in St. Petersburg). It is also noteworthy to mention that each one of these institutes is working on different vaccines.

Currently, the first sample of Russian HIV vaccine that has been developed by the Institute of Immunology is almost ready to undergo tests on humans. Another vaccine developed by “Vector” research center is also ready to be tested.

Netesov also mentioned that biotechnologists from Novosibirsk possess an entire array of potentially promising medications meant to fight AIDS.

According to Sergey Netesov, nearly 30 various vaccines are being developed worldwide. Some of them have already been tested on humans. However, they did not prove to be effective. The major difficulty that researchers face is a lack of proper models of the HIV virus in lab animals, reports RIA “Novosti”.

During last week's summit at Sea Island, leaders of the G8 agreed to establish a Global center to develop HIV vaccines. Hetesov also stated that Russian scientists-biotechnologists have a good chance to be noticed for their remarkable breakthroughs.

Statistically, there are 264 462 registered people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Russia. HIV-infected people live in practically every part of the Russian Federation. 7591 children are among the infected.

Russia welcomes initiatives of the UN concerning the fight against AIDS; it also supports the actions of the Global coalition “Women and AIDS”. A total of 23 million people have died of AIDS in the world.