| Potential HIV vaccine crop in
development |
Scientists are developing an edible HIV vaccine.
Maize has been genetically engineered to contain a protein which is
found in the monkey form of HIV.
Medical experts believe it could be a cheap drug and be stored for a
long time.
If the technology can be perfected it would also provide an easy way to
treat the illness in countries with limited resources.
New Scientist
reports the technique was perfected by US company ProdiGene.
The protein used, SIV gp120, is the monkey form of a protein which will
be the subject of a vaccine trial in Thailand later this year.
Stuart Shapiro, of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious
Diseases which commissioned the research, says the pill can be lab-tested
on animals with the monkey form of HIV - called SIV.
He said: "We can take it and feed it to monkeys in our labs, and see
not only if we get a response but if that response is protective against
SIV."
Story filed: 14:30 Friday 12th April 2002
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