Tobacco the life saver?

Since the 1960s we’ve all been told how dangerous tobacco is. But new studies out of Kentucky may change that perception.

Researchers have announced they found a way to grow an ocean algae based protein in tobacco creating what may be a cheap, effective microbicide to prevent HIV infection.

From the Louisville Courier-Journal in Louisville, KY:

[Kenneth] Palmer’s [lead researcher on the project] manufacturing process uses a previously discovered protein, called Giffithsin, derived from a red algae found in the waters off New Zealand, which can inhibit HIV transmission during sexual activity.

But Palmer’s real breakthrough lies in his method of growing large amounts of Giffithsin cheaply in a relative of the tobacco plant, producing 500,000 doses from a 5,000-square-foot greenhouse.

If it comes to fruition, it could potentially be a boon to some of Kentucky’s tobacco farmers.

That’s because it’s only two weeks from the time scientists inject a protein-filled virus into the tobacco seedling to the time it can be harvested. That means farmers could have multiple harvests in a single year.

“The amount of product needed is potentially overwhelmingly large,” Palmer said.

The product would be made into a vaginal microbicide. Such a product has been an elusive and long sought after concept in HIV prevention circles for years. The reason? Condoms are not always a choice for women, particularly in third world countries, where the disease is rampant. Creating a microbicide which does not require negotiations for safer sex means more women can protect themselves from the virus.