Can science make HIV burn itself out?

Scientists from Koronis Pharmaceuticals are getting ready to enter a third phase of clinical studies on a drug they believe forces the virus to over-replicate and create errors in the genetic make up the virus, ultimately destroying the virus in the human body.

According to a report in Discovery Channel’s website, the new drug is called KP-1461 and causes genetic mutations. The drug inserts itself in the genetic replication process causing mutations. Those mutations eventually multiply to the point the virus can no longer function.

The drug has had mixed results in human studies, the Discovery story reports:

“The results of the latest Phase Two clinical trial, completed last year with 13 patients, were mixed; some patients saw no drop in their viral load, while others saw a dramatic drop. The scientists are currently working to publish the study results.”

Current medications disrupt the virus’ ability to reproduce, but do not eliminate the virus from the body.

And while this is a fascinating new avenue for treatment, concerns remain that the drug which can change the genetic structure of a virus might impact the genes of a people.

KP-1461 doesn’t have any known side effects, but the worry from the Food and Drug Administration is that a drug that induces mutation in a virus could also cause dangerous mutations in the patient’s own DNA.

So far it doesn’t appear to cause short-term mutations in animal models, but longer-term studies are necessary to eliminate the possibility, said Robert Smith, a professor at the University of Washington who studies other lethal mutagenic drugs.

We will keep on eye on this drug as it continues to make its way through the drug approval process.