AETHLON Medical has developed a medical device to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the disease that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
The Hemopurifier functions as a therapeutic filtration unit and serves as an artificial adjunct to the immune system by removing all circulating strains of infectious HIV, including those varieties that cause patients to fail antiviral drug regimens. In addition, the Hemopurifier helps preserve a natural immune response via the extraction of gp120 and other toxic proteins shed by HIV to destroy immune cells.
J im Joyce, Chairman and CEO of Aethlon Medical, told The News that the Hemopurifier implemented a two step process to rid the bloodstream of harmful viral agents.
"Blood flows through the cartridge, similiar to a kidney dialysis machine," explained Joyce. "The first mechanism of action separates viruses by using 2,800 hollow fibres. The fibres effectively remove the viruses from circulation. The second step involves binding and trapping the viruses with affinity agents that stick to exuded glyco proteins shed from the virus surface."
Joyce also noted that the Hemopurifier acted as an effective supplement alongside various conventional drug regimens.
"The goal of treatment is to extend and enhance peformance of drug regimens for those who have become resistant to treatment for viruses such as HIV and Hep C. Indeed, HIV patients have been very fortunate that anti-viral drugs greatly improved over time and can now extend the life of (carriers) by at least 13-15 years. This device helps to significantly extend therapy benefits for those who are completely or partially immune to all existing forms of treatment."
According to Joyce, the company recently completed a successful study of the Hemopurifier for HIV patients at the Sigma New Life Hospital in Punjab, India.
"Based on previous treatment outcomes in Hepatitis-C patients, we are cautiously optimistic that the data resulting from our first HIV study will also prove to be positive," said Joyce. "The principal investigator of our study has reported all twelve Hemopurifier treatments were completed without any observed adverse events, and that the patient feels an improved sense of well being, including increased energy and appetite."
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