Positive result boosts HIV gene therapy trial

One of the first attempts to use gene therapy against HIV has yielded positive results.

Researchers at the University of California used the new treatment method on 74 HIV-positive patients and found that it was both safe and effective for lessening the impact of the virus.

In the trial, patients were given cells containing a protein called OZ1. Results from this group were then compared to those from a group given a placebo.

These findings were published in the Nature Medicine journal and it is thought that this is the first gene transfer clinical trial of its kind.

The report's authors wrote: "Gene transfer has potential as a once-only treatment that reduces viral load, preserves the immune system and avoids lifetime highly active antiretroviral therapy.

"This study indicates that cell-delivered gene transfer is safe and biologically active in individuals with HIV and can be developed as a conventional therapeutic product."