The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is offering $140 million to develop a tiny medical implantable pumping device that fits into people's bodies and prevents them from HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
The device, which can store a 6- or 12-month dosage, has been developed by a Boston-based company, Intarcia Therapeutics Inc., which announced the funding from the Foundation in a press release.
The device, which is placed under the skin, is designed to provide a steady delivery of antiretroviral drugs at regular intervals, eliminating the need to take medication on a daily basis. Such applications could be beneficial in areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV is a very serious threat. It implements a technique known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which is an attempt to treat potential patients before they are diagnosed with HIV.
Intarcia has also created a version of the device to treat type 2 diabetes. In the case of the HIV version, Intarcia is still trying to figure out which drug should be placed in the mini-pump that is the size of a matchstick.
A person infected with HIV develops AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). The disease degrades the body's immune system over time, meaning it breaks down the body's disease-fighting mechanism. AIDS is currently classified as an incurable disease. However, medications can be taken to prolong the lives of patients. Developments like this could be a major breakthrough in the treatment of AIDS.
