HIV Vaccine Advances to Stage Two Human Clinical Trials

Scientists were shocked to discover the cure for HIV was simply an overwhelming dose of microscopic AIDS ribbons. OK, not really. Still, great news!

The various HIV “cures” and vaccines in development continue to speed ahead, with one pharmaceutical company’s product advancing into stage 2 human clinical trials.

Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGMO) announced today the initiation of two new Phase 2 clinical studies (SB-728-1101 and SB-728-902, Cohort 5) in its program to develop a “functional cure” for HIV/AIDS. Sangamo’s ZFP Therapeutic^® approach (SB-728-T) generates T-cells that are resistant to HIV infection using its zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) technology to permanently disrupt the DNA sequence encoding CCR5, a co-receptor used by HIV to enter cells. The company expects to present data from its SB-728-T HIV clinical trials at appropriate medical meetings in 2012.

“We are delighted to be able to open these two important clinical studies ahead of schedule,” said Geoff Nichol, M.B. Ch.B., Sangamo’s executive vice president, research and development. “Data from earlier Phase 1 trials demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between the number of circulating T-cells in which both CCR5 genes are modified and the reduction in HIV viral load in infected subjects during an interruption of anti-retroviral therapy. Both of these new Phase 2 clinical trials are specifically designed to confirm and further investigate these findings.”

The new studies employ two approaches to increase the number of engrafted T-cells in which both CCR5 gene copies are modified (biallelically modified) in SB-728-T-treated, HIV-infected subjects. The first, an extension of an ongoing trial (SB-728-902, Cohort 5), is designed to further investigate the effect of SB-728-T treatment on HIV viral load in subjects that are naturally heterozygous for the CCR5 delta-32 gene mutation (i.e. one of their two CCR5 gene copies has the mutation and one is normal).

 The second study (SB-728-1101), in HIV-infected subjects without the CCR5 delta-32 mutation, employs a conditioning pretreatment designed to significantly enhance the number of engrafted biallelically modified T-cells.

The Sangamo vaccine is one of several products racing neck and neck toward mass market approval and release. It’s safe to say that if the first “cure” to hit the market is produced by the American pharmaceutical industry, it will be a costly product that creates enormous corporate wealth.

"Functional HIV Cure" Trial Advances

Via press release:

Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGMO) announced today the initiation of two new Phase 2 clinical studies (SB-728-1101 and SB-728-902, Cohort 5) in its program to develop a "functional cure" for HIV/AIDS. Sangamo's ZFP Therapeutic® approach (SB-728-T) generates T-cells that are resistant to HIV infection using its zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) technology to permanently disrupt the DNA sequence encoding CCR5, a co-receptor used by HIV to enter cells. The company expects to present data from its SB-728-T HIV clinical trials at appropriate medical meetings in 2012.

Most interesting: "In addition to safety, the study will evaluate the effect of escalating doses of Cytoxan on SB-728-T engraftment, the effect of SB-728-T treatment on viral load following HAART interruption." In other words (I think), they'll be looking at whether patients can cease taking meds after the treatment.

Activist Group Launches Drive To Outlaw Bareback Porn Making

 

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation has launched a petition drive for a ballot measure that would require condom usage in all porn produced in Los Angeles County.

"The county has a primary responsibility of protecting the public health," foundation President Michael Weinstein told The Times. Weinstein asserted that the county Board of Supervisors has "steadfastly refused" to take action against porn producers who don't use condoms in filming, putting performers at risk of HIV and other diseases. "So we will take it to the voters," Weinstein said. The ballot measure would "require producers of adult films to obtain a public health permit from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and pay a permit fee" to fund enforcement. The measure is modeled on health permit requirements for tattoo shops, massage parlors and bathhouses. The county would be authorized to revoke permits of film producers violating the ordinance, and violations could result in civil fines or misdemeanor charges.

The American Family Association's Bryan Fischer, who has repeatedly called for the criminalization of all gay sex acts, is applauding Weinstein's words.

The porn industry, as you might guess, is riddled with STDs. Homosexual activists themselves are trumpeting loudly and clearly that gay sex is such a public health menace that gay porn actors are unacceptably exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases every time they film a scene without protection. "There are thousands of STDs in this industry," said Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, adding that jurisdictions pass the issue around like a hot potato. "It's the ick factor. They don't want to deal with this because it's sex, and because it's porn," he said. Wow. There is a homosexual activist talking about the “ick” factor of gay sex like he was Mike Huckabee or something.

The AHF must collect 200,000 signatures by June 5th in order for the item to appear on the November ballot in Los Angeles County.

Local HIV/AIDS activist killed in crash at office

Dentist Office Bans HIV+ Employee from Touching Doorknobs, Sprays Him with Lysol

 

Shortly after testing positive for HIV, James White informed his Great Expressions Dental Clinic office manager of his status, but asked that she keep his health private. Imagine White’s surprise days later when he was summoned by the company’s regional director and berated for “having AIDS.”
White was informed that there would be no change to his responsibilities as he didn’t work directly with dental patients, and posed zero risk of infecting anyone. But things pretty much went straight to hell from there.

He says he was prohibited from touching doorknobs in the office. Staff members followed him around with Lysol, spraying and wiping down the surfaces he touched. He was subjected to unexpected changes in his schedule—called and told to come in later than scheduled, or to leave earlier than expected. When he complied with the scheduling offers, he was written up for unexcused absences.
After months of this, he said he was overwhelmed.

His health took a turn for the worse, and he was hospitalized for a week. During that time, the clinic decided to fire him. They called him the day before he was to return to work and informed him that he was fired for excessive unexcused absences.

“I felt like my character was destroyed,” he says. “I went from wanting to be an activist—someone who spoke to groups about HIV—to someone who didn’t want to leave my room for six months.”
His lawyer Nicole Thompson says that “it’s very clear [White] has been traumatized by this.”

Thompson notes he has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, and White himself says he continues to see mental health professionals weekly to address his concerns. He still has trouble going into public places. For example, White says he “blacks out” when he goes to the grocery store and doesn’t remember being there. Right before the blackouts, White says, he feels like people are following him around and sanitizing everything he touches or that people are talking about him.

White, having a relatively clearcut legal case on his hands, has sued the heck out of his former employer. The Detroit area Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is overseeing the case, and suggested that Great Expressions settle out of court with White for a figure around $185,000 in compensatory and punitive damages. So far, the dental clinic has refused so it looks like the case will be settled in court, where a judge will have the opportunity to hit the discriminatory office with even heftier damages.

Our condolences go out to White. Nobody should have to deal with this nonsense as they are delicately navigating life-altering changes to their health. We applaud you for your bravery. You’re setting a fantastic example for all those who have faced workplace discrimination due to a medical condition. You go boy.

MIlton Hersey School Defends Recting 13-Year-Old With HIV

Administrators at the Milton Hershey School, a Pennsylvania boarding school for underprivileged and at-risk youth, are standing by their decision to reject a 13-year-old student with HIV. In statement on its website, the School defends its actions:

“The School decided that it could not admit the student who uses the pseudonym Abraham Smith due to factors relating to his HIV-positive status. This decision was not made based on bias or ignorance. We considered a number of factors relating to the risks posed to the health and safety of others, and our ability to reduce those risks and maintain confidentiality in our unique residential environment.”

We know that HIV is not transmitted through casual contact and, thankfully, that universal precautions can address the concerns of transmission in a typical school environment. Our unique environment, however, also poses unique concerns. A significant concern is that HIV can be transmitted through sexual contact. We systematically encourage abstinence, and we educate our children on sexual health issues. But, as special as they are, our teenagers are the same as teens all across the country. Despite our best efforts, some of our students will engage in sexual activity with one another. Given our residential setting, when they do, they will be doing so on our watch.”

That’s got to be the first time we’ve heard a school admit its students have sex.

With help from the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania, the unnamed boy—who is currently on the honor roll—and his family are suing the 102-year-old academy.
In a recent conversation with Anderson Cooper on CNN, AIDS LAW PA director Ronda Goldfein and CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin makes the case that the Americans with Disabilities Act, Congress and the Justice Department have made it clear that one’s HIV status cannot deny them access to public accommodations.


 
If the name “Milton Hershey” rings a bell, that’s because the school is indeed named after the founder of Hershey’s Chocolate and is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Milton and his wife had no children, and the wealthy entrepreneur sunk much of his estate into a trust fund for the school. (Ironically, the Hershey Company landed in hot water this summer for enticing foreign students to come to the U.S. and then forcing them to work in grueling factory jobs.)

So if you’re bothered by the school’s decision consider boycotting Kisses, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Rolos, Milk Duds, et al. They’re pretty much wax and sugar anyway

Chicago Santa Speedo Run This Saturday

Chicago, IL — Forecasters expect the high Saturday to be near freezing, but that's not stopping a few would-be Santa's from stripping down for the first annual Santa Speedo Run in Andersonville.

This Saturday, Dec. 10, over 30 Speedo-clad Santa's are expected to participate in the first annual Andersonville Santa Speedo Run to benefit Vital Bridges, an organization that assists people throughout Chicago impacted by HIV and AIDS.

"Chicago already has a large Santa Speedo Run downtown," said organizer Karl Sponholtz. "Jeff and I wanted to begin an organization to benefit the local charities in our LGBT community."

The Santa Speedo Run was originally brought to Chicago from Boston, where it has become a tradition since the first event in 2000. The Chicago variation, which took place last Saturday, was started to raise awareness for diabetes.

"I guarantee that our Santa's are the sexiest," Sponholtz joked about this weekend's event.

The bravest participants are encouraged to shed their running clothes in favor of red Speedos and run one mile through Andersonville, but Sponholtz encourages everyone to come out and support Santa.

"Bring your bills and bring your mittens," he said. "Someone has to keep our Santa's warm!"

The Sofo Tap, 4923 N. Clark, will serve as home base with drink specials for participants. 

What: Santa Speedo Run (1 mile through Andersonville)

When: Saturday, December 10th (Noon sign-in, 1:30 p.m. strip down, 2:00 p.m. race begins along Clark St. north to Balmoral and back), 2:30 p.m. awards and celebration)
Where: The Sofo Tap, 4923 N. Clark, Andersonville/Chicago

Attire: As the name of the event implies, you will want to wear a Speedo and Santa hat. Bags will be provided to check clothes at The Sofo Tap.

Costs: $20 minimum donation to participate, benefits Vital Bridges
(Event Details)

Santa Speedo Run Andersonville on Facebook

Any of my readers going to this?

Daniel Rick convicted of knowingly spreading HIV virus

Daniel Rick could get 10 years in prison, and is facing two other charges.

​Daniel Rick has been found guilty of knowingly spreading the HIV virus through unprotected sex with another man, a felony that could put him behind bars for as long as a decade.

The man who had sex with Rick in the spring of 2009, when the two had known each other only briefly, told police the encounter was wholly consensual. But Rick didn't mention his HIV infection to the other man, who soon fell ill.

Rick, now 26, had known of his own illness for at least three years at that point, but never -- not before, during, or after the unprotected sex -- mentioned his affliction to his partner, who figured it out only after doctors told him he was HIV-positive.

On Friday, a jury found Rick guilty of felony assault. His conviction, which is classified as a first-degree assault, is the first of its kind in Hennepin County. Daniel is also facing trial for two other similar cases.

After Rick and the other man met online and exchanged messages for some time, Rick came in to the Saloon Bar, where his victim worked as a bartender. At the end of his shift, the bartender went to meet Rick for a late-night hook-up.

During the anal sex, during which neither man wore a condom, Rick ejaculated inside the other man, according to the criminal complaint filed in March 2010 by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.

Spokesman Chuck Laszewski confirmed that Rick is the first person in the county convicted under the crime of felony assault for "knowing transfer of communicable disease," and Laszewski said it might also be the first of its kind in Minnesota.

The jury's conviction, which came down on Friday, means Rick's fate now lies in the hands of the judge. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 28, which will also be used to set a trial date for two other cases being brought against Rick.

Possible HIV Vaccine Advance

HIV researchers at Cal Tech and UCLA report the ability to "short circuit" the immune system to block the virus.

They created a disarmed adenovirus that contained the genes needed to produce a broadly effective antibody from humans, optimizing the DNA to make sure that the antibody was made in muscle cells, and then secreted into their environment. The modified virus was then injected into mice that had had their immune systems humanized (the stem cells in their bone marrow were killed off and then repopulated with human cells). The mice were then exposed to levels of HIV many times higher than are normally present during initial infections. Not all antibodies effectively blocked new infections, but at least one did so consistently. The resistance to new HIV infections persisted for the life of the experiments.

Pope Implies That People With Poor Ethics Spread AIDS

This week a U.N. AIDS report said the number of new HIV infections worldwide has stayed at about 2.7 million for the last three years, suggesting that the epidemic is leveling off. That’s great news! But then comes along Pope Benedict XVI reminding everyone that unethical, slutty, un-Godly people spread HIV. Uuuggghhh.

 Here’s what the Pope said exactly while speaking about the AIDS epidemic in Africa:

Above all, [the spread of HIV] is an ethical problem. The change of behaviour that [solving Africa's AIDS epidemic] requires—for example, sexual abstinence, rejection of sexual promiscuity, fidelity within marriage—ultimately involves the question of integral development, which demands a global approach and a global response from the Church.
“For if it is to be effective, the prevention of AIDS must be based on a sex education that is itself grounded in an anthropology anchored in the natural law and enlightened by the word of God and the Church’s teaching.”

On one hand, he has a point. If a person knows about the importance of getting tested, knowing their status, communicating with sex partners and taking the necessary precautions to prevent HIV, not doing so could be construed as deliberate and unethical. But in Africa where many communities do not have safe-sex educators to disseminate information about HIV-prevention, the spread of the disease cannot be marked up to pure ethics and morality—money, government support, education and condoms all play a part too.

It’s a double-edged sword because even if the Pope considers governments “unethical” for failing to equip their citizens with HIV-prevention info, we can only imagine that sex education “enlightened by the word of God and the Church’s teaching” would also fail to teach people how to responsibly and safely fuck and go for an ineffective abstinence-only approach instead.

Pope Benedict XVI got a lot of well deserved flack in 2009 when he said that condoms in Africa actually make the AIDS problem worse. But he has since backtracked on that by saying that male hookers and pretty much everyone else can use condoms because “using condoms ‘is the lesser evil than passing HIV onto a partner.’

So while he’s managed to offensively imply that people who catch and spread HIV to others have some sort of moral or ethical failing, he’s at least implicated governments for those same failings while instructing the larger Catholic following that using condoms is more ethical and moral than

6 Parishioners Dead After Lying Pastor Tells Them They’ve Been Cured of HIV

 

A Sky News undercover investigation has revealed that evangelical churches in the UK have been lying to HIV positive patients about the curative powers of holy water, and insisting that patients stop taking their HIV medications. Now at least six are dead.

The broadcaster sent three undercover reporters to the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), in the south London Borough of Southwark.

 

All of them were told by pastors they could be healed.

The team – who are all HIV positive – had water sprayed in their faces as part of the healing process.

They were also shouted at and told it would rid them of the devil.

One of the pastors, Rachel Holmes, told Sky News, that SCOAN has a “100% success rate”, adding: “if symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea persist, it is actually a sign of the virus leaving the body”.

Except that’s diarrhea and vomiting aren’t a sign that HIV is rocketing out of your body because Christ commands it to. No, those are signs you are dying of HIV. 

Multiple investigations into the – we’re just going to go ahead and play fortune teller here for a second – criminal actions these churches are engaged in.

In addition to the deaths that have been reported, a case of HIV transmission has been documented by the boyfriend of a male parishioner who stopped HIV treatment after being “cured” by his pastor.