I saw 2 articles on HIV suppression yesterday, both are questionable. Each is over the same subject, here's the 1st & then 2nd. These articles concern an alternative approach to viral suppression not elimination.
The studies are early in their research & involve non-human primates. They focus on TIP (Therapeutic Interfering Particles.) In this instance, that basically refers to a "defanged" version of HIV. Grey's Anatomy did an episode concerning this approach. TIP isn't new, variations have been around since the 1950's. The idea is to introduce a rapidly reproducing, less dangerous version of the virus. It's like a weed choking out grass. The TIP HIV would outperform the original virus.
This research isn't near fruition & has been focused on theoretical & animal applications. It may or may not move into human studies. It isn't a cure, but could be a long term suppressive approach. It may be a long ways off or never come to be.
My worry is simple, this is a virus. A version of HIV none the less. Viruses are driven to survive by replication & evolution. This TIP may be harmless in a lab, but in the wild, there's only conjecture. Would this be a boon or brand new horror show?
I'm glad the research is ongoing. Still aspects of it are concerning. This could be how Stephen King's Captain Trips gets started. Or it could ultimately control/end HIV..
Take care.
Cya....
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