News, HIV Researchers Now Using the 'C' Word. (treatments, virus, cure)

[JD59]

Scientists Appear to Be Warming to the Possibility of a Cure for HIV and AIDS

VIENNA -- For years, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) researchers have shied away from the whole notion of a cure, largely because evidence showed the virus can persist even under intensive treatment.

'Cure' No Longer a Four-Letter Word Among HIV Researchers - ABC News

[socstudent]

Unfortunately with HIV (as with other chronic diseases such as diabetes) even if the possibility for a cure did arise, it would probably not be realized because of the immense profit generated by the maintenance of the disease. There are thousands of people whose job it is to block research for HIV, diabetes etc. because there is just too much money to be made in the industry of pharmaceuticals that those who are afflicted must continue to use their entire lives. I know it sounds sick and it really is but if you look into the practices of some of these companies, that is exactly what they are doing. What really matters is the money, not the people, and if they can continue to make staggering profits from something that people need to stay alive they will do anything they can to stop a cure. That is why I believe it will never come about. You can say I'm wrong or full of it but I was very close to someone who worked for one of these companies. They actually quit because of the unethical practices of the lobbyists who worked night and day to stop medical research to cure chronic diseases. It's sad but true.

[samston]

I think prevention is better than cure.

I think also that abstinence or using protection is best.

[jacq63]

Originally Posted by socstudent

Unfortunately with HIV (as with other chronic diseases such as diabetes) even if the possibility for a cure did arise, it would probably not be realized because of the immense profit generated by the maintenance of the disease. There are thousands of people whose job it is to block research for HIV, diabetes etc. because there is just too much money to be made in the industry of pharmaceuticals that those who are afflicted must continue to use their entire lives. I know it sounds sick and it really is but if you look into the practices of some of these companies, that is exactly what they are doing. What really matters is the money, not the people, and if they can continue to make staggering profits from something that people need to stay alive they will do anything they can to stop a cure. That is why I believe it will never come about. You can say I'm wrong or full of it but I was very close to someone who worked for one of these companies. They actually quit because of the unethical practices of the lobbyists who worked night and day to stop medical research to cure chronic diseases. It's sad but true.

I agree this happens across the board. It's worth noting though, that a legitimate health organization will change their focus as the dynamics of a disease changes. The HIV/AIDS org I work for now focuses on health maintenance, as well as education on prevention.

There are so many different treatments available, it can be a confusing minefield for someone newly diagnosed, or considering treatments for the first time. Companies should be working in partnership to assist with education and information dissemination to people living with HIV/AIDS. It's a shame when unscrupulous corporations give the entire industry a bad name.