Vancouver Researchers Moving Forward on Eliminating HIV/AIDS
(firmenpresse) - VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/18/13 -- In 1998, Walter Hiebert was given what amounted to a death sentence: he was diagnosed with HIV and given just six months to live. "I didn't have any hope at all," says 56 year-old Hiebert, who had to go on disability from his job as a registered nurse.
Twenty-five years later, he's alive and thriving, thanks to the pioneering efforts of world-renowned Vancouver-based HIV/AIDS researchers. "The HIV drug 'cocktail'-the magical combination of three anti-retroviral drugs-saved my life," says Hiebert who supports the goals of this new $5 million HIV/AIDS research project. Funded by Genome BC, this project aims to develop an improved HIV drug-resistance test, real-time drug resistance surveillance and better methods for personalizing treatment of HIV based on each patient's unique DNA.
"The new resistance test will make the therapy more effective in reducing the amount of HIV in the blood, which benefits patients, and lessen the chances of spreading the virus," says Dr. Richard Harrigan, project leader, Director of the Laboratory Program and head of genomics research at the BC Centre of Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE) at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver. Based on the latest DNA sequencing technology, this cutting-edge test will detect drug-resistant HIV strains that existing ones can't. "This test will be a better, more sensitive tool that takes less time to get results and is less expensive," explains Harrigan, whose past work has been instrumental in the development of viral resistance testing in Canada and internationally.
The researchers will develop new personalized tests, based on a patient's DNA, to guide therapy as well and avoid serious side effects. The two types of tests-viral and human genomic-will help doctors prescribe the best drug cocktail for each patient, one that works well and minimizes side effects that may cause patients to stop treatment. "We plan to expand the number of human genomic markers tested so we can predict side effects for all classes of HIV drugs. Side effects drive whether or not patients take these drugs and stick with them," says Harrigan.
The research team is also creating a new early warning system to monitor and map drug resistance. It will pinpoint geographic or population "hotspots" where resistance rates are highest and the risk of transmission greatest. "We'll be able to monitor the emergence of drug resistance in real time and identify patients with newly acquired drug-resistant strains faster. We can then intervene proactively and preemptively so the resistance doesn't become widespread," says Dr. Julio Montaner, co-leader of the project, Director of the BC-CfE and the Director of AIDS Research and Head of the Division of AIDS in the UBC Faculty of Medicine.
Results of the research project will give patients like Hiebert-whose drug cocktail had to be changed after he developed resistance-an even better chance of staying healthy. "The new resistance test will be great for newly diagnosed people and experienced people who have been HIV-positive for a long time," he says.
All HIV patients in Canada through their doctors will have access to the new test at the BC-CfE labs. The technology will be shared with labs globally, so it can be adopted worldwide.
"Genome BC is funding an important example of personalized medicine that is making a difference in the lives of HIV patients," says Dr. Alan Winter, President and CEO of Genome BC. "We're very proud to be partnering with Dr. Harrigan and Dr. Montaner, whose work has changed the prognosis for millions of people around the globe."
Additional funders for this project include Genome Canada, Genome Quebec, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, ViiV Healthcare and the St. Paul's Hospital Foundation.
BACKGROUND:
About Genome British Columbia:
Genome British Columbia is a catalyst for the life sciences cluster on Canada's West Coast, and manages a cumulative portfolio of over $625M in research projects and science and technology platforms. Working with governments, academia and industry across sectors such as forestry, fisheries, agriculture, environment, bioenergy, mining and human health, the goal of the organization is to generate social and economic benefits for British Columbia and Canada.
About the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS:
The BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE) is Canada's largest HIV/AIDS research, treatment and education facility and is internationally recognized as an innovative world leader in combating HIV/AIDS and related diseases. BC-CfE is based at St. Paul's Hospital, Providence Health Care, a teaching hospital of the University of British Columbia. The BC-CfE works in close collaboration with key provincial stakeholders, including health authorities, health care providers, academics from other institutions, and the community to decrease the health burden of HIV and AIDS. By developing, monitoring and disseminating comprehensive research and treatment programs for HIV and related illnesses, the BC-CfE helps improve the health of British Columbians living with HIV.
Contacts:
Jennifer Boon
Communications Specialist, Genome BC
Mobile: 778-327-8374
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Datum: 18.09.2013 - 09:00 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
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