THE AIDS EPIDEMIC

The devastation of HIV/AIDS is caused by the progressive destruction of the blood/immune system leading to an inability of an HIV-infected individual to fight off life-threatening opportunistic infections or deal with cancers. An estimated 34 million people worldwide are infected with HIV, and it has killed nearly 30 million people since its discovery in 1981 (2010 UNAIDS Report).  In the United States, more people than ever are living with HIV - an estimated 1.2 million (CDC.gov). 

AIDS is widely acknowledged as a public health crisis and is now one of the make or break forces of this century, as measured by both its actual effect and potential threat to the survival and wellbeing of people worldwide. By 2012, it is estimated that 30 million people will need some level of antiretroviral treatment.  In the US alone, HIV medication costs more than $8 Billion per year, and the cost is close to $20 Billion worldwide.  Even at that high cost, only a fraction of those individuals who need medication have access to adequate treatment.  A daily cocktail of generally three drugs termed highly active antiretroviral therapy (“HAART”) can help control infection, but it comes with the burden of side effects, long-term toxicities and no present alternative.  To date, there is no cure and no vaccine for AIDS.

An innovative and sustainable approach is desperately needed.  We are grateful and compelled to be among the many companies and institutions working on a definitive solution.