Research on anti-retroviral treatment for China's HIV patients, one of the state's key sci-tech programs during the 10th Five-year Plan period (2001-05), has been completed and passed an appraisal by specialists.

Chinese scientist Li Taisheng has confirmed that following clinical research, a locally developed anti-retroviral AIDS drug is as effective as imported drugs, and just one sixth the price. Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART), also known as "Cocktail Therapy", has been established internationally as an effective way to treat AIDS. China has been able to produce five drugs that form part of this "Cocktail". A great many AIDS sufferers now have access to these drugs.

A research group conducted drug trials over a 12 month period with 198 HIV/AIDS patients.

The tests show that this new drug is safe and effective. It inhibits the virus in 58.8 percent of patients, increases the white blood cell count and helps the immune system to recover. It is the best known way to treat the HIV virus.

By People's Daily Online