Uganda to test new AIDS drug

Oct 20, 2004

Uganda is listed for trials of the new AIDS drug, Chemoknin Receptor (CCR5). <br><br>The drug guards against the

By Abubaker Mukose
Uganda is listed for trials of the new AIDS drug, Chemoknin Receptor (CCR5).

The drug guards against the spread of the virus.

Dr. Ann Kolokathis, an infectious diseases specialist from the Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals (PGP), on Tuesday said trials would begin in November.

“The CCR5 inhibits the virus from entering the cell receptor, so it protects infection of other cells in HIV/AIDS patients and they can live a little longer,” Kolokathis said during a tour of Jinja Hospital.

She was part of a Pfizer Diflucan Partnership delegation, a programme that provides free anti-fungal medicine, Diflucan, for HIV/AIDS patients with opportunistic infections like cryptococcal meningitis and esophageal candidiasis.

Pfizer provides Diflucan to 987 sites in the 25 countries worst hit by HIV/AIDS.

Kolokathis was accompanied by PGP Europe chief Dr. Jack Watters.

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