Possible non-drug, non-condom fix for spread of HIV

"With a vaccine not immediately on the horizon, microbicides that can remove cholesterol from cell membranes, rendering HIV non-infectious, may play an important part in controlling the AIDS pandemic," says James Hildreth, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of pharmacology and molecular science at Johns Hopkins and principal investigator of the study.

Researchers found that a starchy substance that drains cholesterol from a cell’s membrane can completely block HIV transmission. Using microbicides that contain this cholesterol-depletor during sex should be able to reduce or stop HIV transmission, according to the study.

This starchy substance that removes the cholesterol HIV needs to infect cells from cell membranes is called cyclodextrin.  It sounds like a drug, but it isn't.  Cyclodextrins are used for all kinds of things from diet supplements to Febreze.  Cyclodextrins are now being investigated as a treatment for Niemann-Pick disease, type C a fatal genetic disease of cholesterol metabolism.  Patients with Niemann-Pick disease, type C cannot break down cholesterol and it builds up in their cells.

Cyclodextrin could be used in a cream that would prevent HIV transmission during sex which just might squash the raging debates over condom use as a strategy to prevent the spread of AIDS.  This could mean a prevention of HIV transmission without the contraceptive effect.  A concept the Catholic Church could possibly get behind for married couples where one partner has HIV.

Hat Tip: The Scientist