AETHLON MEDICAL has successfully conducted the "first-in-man" study of its Hemopurifier device to treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), the disease that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
The filtration unit reduced the viral load by 92 per cent in an HIV-infected individual who received a total of twelve Hemopurifier treatments administered over the span of one month. The patient reportedly felt an improved sense of well being, including increased energy and appetite during the study. There were no observed adverse events recorded by the principle investigator.
 "Our first HIV treatment experience supports the vision of our Hemopurifier becoming a primary strategy to inhibit disease progression once an individual becomes resistant to antiviral drugs," said Aethlon CEO Jim Joyce. "Additionally, our device offers a synergistic mechanism of action that could enhance and extend the benefit of both established and candidate antiviral therapies."
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.
Joyce told The News that the Hemopurifier implemented an advanced 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 the World Health Organization, an estimated 33 million people worldwide are infected with HIV. While there is no cure, HIV antiviral drug regimens have allowed people to live longer with HIV. However, resistance to various medications can evolve to eliminate the benefit of antiviral drugs, thus leaving infected individuals without further treatment options.
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