GlaxoSmithKline on a hunt for AIDS cure (Photo : REUTERS/LUKE MACGREGOR)
In what might be considered as concrete steps towards finding a cure for the HIV AIDS Virus it was announced recently that pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline joined hands with North Carolina University to set up a company and research Institute for this specific purpose of finding a cure.
According the New York Times, GlaxoSmithKline is to pump in US$ 4 million each year over a period of five years into the set up of a centre on Chapel Hill.
It is reported that the company will also relocate a number of its finest scientists to the centre as well.
The company which is reported to be known as Qura Therapeutics, will be owned partly by the pharmaceutical giant as well as the university. Each entity will have the right if so desired to seek commercial gain on any discovery.
The setting up of a research centre cum commercial entity many analysts say is a clear indication of the role that GlaxoSmithKline is looking to play in terms of new HIV treatments.
Speaking to Market Watch, Glaxo's Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Witty said HIV was a big part of the role the company hoped to play.
The Glaxo-North Carolina University hook up is part of a blossoming trend where university researchers have their skills applied to commercial causes. For instance the University of Pennsylvania recently joined hands with Novartis in a bid to battle cancer.
However, while the above mentioned partnership is already producing note worthy strides in the fight against cancer, many researchers believe similar results with HIV would take longer.
Professor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina, Dr. David Margolis, who will lead the university's research efforts told the New York Times, that he couldn't foresee any headway being made for another five to 10 years.
He added that the centre and the team were at the very early discovery phase of their research.
