The Buckingham

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Gene therapy has been found to reduce levels of HIV in an early trial of Sangamo Biosciences Inc’s HIV treatment. The treatment has so far even eliminated the virus in one patient.

The trial tested a gene therapy known as SB-728 T, which disrupts the CCR5 gene of HIV.  The CCR5 gene infects cells in the immune system.

If proven to be safe, the treatment could change the way HIV is treated.  Antirectroural drugs, which are now used to keep the virus under control, could no longer be needed.

The results were presented in Chicago on Sunday, Sept. 18, and the company plans to further investigate their findings.

Currently 33 million people in the world are HIV positive.