Iran: We've developed AIDS drug
Iranian officials claim local scientists have developed drug for AIDS containment that can also be applied in cases of weak immune system. President Ahmadinejad confirms development in research, but says not ready for formal announcement
Scientists in Iran have succeeded in developing a drug for AIDS containment, the Iranian news agency FARS reported. Last week, the Iranian health minister promised good news on the matter, yet no information regarding the drug and the treatment method has been released.
On Wednesday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad held a speech at Tehran University implying that: "There is a development on the issue, and if we announce it this would mean a tremendous development, but for now we lack the ability to answer all questions and we must continue dealing with different aspects of the matter."
According to the report, the new drug, unmatched by any other in the world, was developed by Tehran University medical scientists. Test results show that that using the drug strengthens the body's immune system and assists in dealing with the AIDS Virus.
Research regarding a drug to treat the AIDS virus had begun during the tenure of former presidency Muhammad Khatami. Muhammad Farhadi, who served as health minister during Khatami's rule, confirmed Wednesday in a conversation with an Iranian newspaper that a drug was indeed developed and that research has entered its final stages.
According to Farhadi, the drug is expected to help not only AIDS Patients but also patients with immune system problems. Farhadi, who was head of the research team, said that the team included 60 Iranian and foreign researchers and scientists who cooperated on this discovery.
Additional details and precise information about the accomplishment will be given in a ceremony attended by the Iranian president, the Iranian health minister and other senior officials of state.
FARS also reported of 13,357 known AIDS patients in Iran. However, a more realistic estimate stands at 70,000.
