Bill Gates invests USD 140 million in HIV cure

Houston : Microsoft founder Bill Gates' charity foundation has invested USD 140 million in the development of HIV preventing drug implants that could revolutionise the treatment of the life-threatening infection.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is providing this funding for the groundbreaking new technology which could revolutionise HIV prevention.

Currently prevention drugs are available in the form of a pill that, if taken daily, can reduce a person's chances of being infected with HIV.

The drugs are recommended by the World Health Organisation for use by at-risk groups including men who have sex with men but are only effective if the pills are taken consistently.

There are hopes that implant technology, similar to systems available for birth control, could be used to deliver a consistent supply of drugs, aiding people vulnerable to HIV.

According to The Wall Street Journal, their latest investment has placed their backing firmly behind a bio-pharmaceutical company located in Boston. They believe that this company could yield one of the largest revelations in HIV treatment yet.

This treatment takes the form of a pump that was initially designed for type two diabetes patients. It works by continuously delivering medication throughout the body. The pump is reportedly capable of administering drugs throughout the body for as long as 12 months. It could also be easily filled by a clinician annually or bi-annually.

Researchers believe that the pump could work similarly, for HIV prevention, in healthy patients. Delivering treatment such as PreP continuously and, therefore, working to prevent HIV and AIDS. PreP is a daily drug that has been critical in preventing HIV infections in sexually active adults.

The Gates invested USD 50 million in equity stakes at Intarcia Therapeutics the company responsible for the pump. They then provided a further USD 90 million in company grants towards the goal of developing the HIV preventing device.