April 7, 2008

Defending Vaccine Research

In a recent Baltimore Sun editorial, Dr. Homayoon Khanlou and Michael Weinstein, both of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, argued that less funding should be dedicated to HIV vaccine research so that more could go to HIV prevention and treatment. In response, the Sun (baltimoresun.com, 4/5) has published letters to the editor supporting vaccine research.

The first, written by Lisa Beyer, vice president of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, argues that anti-AIDS drugs were once thought to be impossible to create, and yet today, after the investment of billions of dollars in research and development, “there are more drugs to treat HIV than to treat all other viruses put together." Adds Beyer: “That is what focused science can achieve.”

The second letter, penned by the executive director of the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition, Mitchell Warren, calls the original editorial “wildly off-base” and says it shows “a blatant disregard for both science and public health.” Warren says that the recent Merck AIDS vaccine trial failure did not represent the future of HIV vaccine research.

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Previous Comments:

James Ozmun, Hilo,Hi, 2008-04-17 19:01:20
I have a copy of a military document stating the HIV virus WAS approved in 1967 to be created. And it does plainly state existance of the "bio" chemical awareness and it's effect on the immune system.

JAMES OZMUN, Hilo,Hawai`i, 2008-04-17 18:56:51
How can one think there should NOT be more effort invested for vaccine research? More should be invested.EDUCATION! I was given clarification of my diagnosis 3 yrs ago. If we as a Nation have chance to retard this epidemic there should be no 2nd thoughts. I REFUSE TO GIVE IN. As should any medics of USA. I guess the 2 Dr's making these statements are trying for some sort of promotion. Why else would "they" make such innane suggestions about the (possibly)most deadliest virus ever known?

K Darnell Williams, San Francisco, 2008-04-16 16:58:27
Certainly care is major, however, prevention; or a vacine if you will, is also needed. I don't think funding should be cut for developing new medications to help those that have become drug resistent; but on the same token, wouldn't a cure erradicate this virus for good?

Chelle, Fort lauderdale, 2008-04-10 00:00:17
Bein poz for 13 yrs. I'm not worried about my health anymore, as i am for the younger generations. I do agree with Todd. Let them catch H.I.V or even their children. I dont wish it on noone, but it this is wat it takes 2 Find a cure and or vaccine 4 millions, then I guess so be it. God Forgive me 4 feeling this way!IF U CAN"T FIND A CURE ATLEAST, FIND A FU*CKIN VACCINE PEOPLE! Because many already wonder, if there already really is a cure out here! You're only letting all of us die! R U GOD?

Buck Mccallon, San Diego, 2008-04-09 12:50:01
I object to all the money and energy diverted to a vacine that will not help anyone who already has HIV from what I know. If that's not the case, and a vacine can help those already infected, please inform me. I think it is a scheme for the drug companys to have an endless supply of recipients (customers). I believe all that money should be focused on a cure, but the number of recipients would be much less = less $$$$ for the drug companys.

Jose Villarreal, Del Rio, 2008-04-08 23:46:14
The virus is about to mutate in less than one or two years into an airborne virus. I'm sure that when that happens, they will put the 500% effort into releasing both the therapeutic and the profilactic vaccines.

Tomas Lopez, Hollywood, 2008-04-08 20:00:55
WoW! humans, its amazing how we care for one an other. Just let use die. we are not worth the time i guess.

Todd Bierdemann, Pittsburrgh, 2008-04-08 18:18:16
I think these IDIOTS aught to become positive and see if they want to still cut funding for a vaccine.