To date technological research has concentrated on treatment of the infection rather than its prevention. BioQuest bears all rights to a new synthetic peptide, R15K, which completely blocks HIV infection of immune system cells. Prevention of infection will be the most important breakthrough of the decade in the realm of HIV research. By fall,1997, BioQuest intends to proceed with FDA sanctioned Phase One human trials with R15K. R15K demonstrated compelling results in therapeutic testing in vitro, as well as in mice, rhesus monkeys, and chimpanzees. Delays of five years and more are being reduced to 18 to 24 months for key HIV research.
Viruses have no reproductive machinery of their own.
A virus gains entry to host cells through biochemically specific receptor sites. Once inside, they take over the host cell's genetic machinery which is then used to make thousands or even millions of copies of the virus. These millions of new viruses then go on to infect potentially millions more new host cells, quickly spreading the infection. Currently available therapeutic strategies only attempt to limit the reproduction of HIV after it has already infected human immune cells. The future exists in prevention.