The studies conducted by university researchers have demonstrated that a betulinol derivative inhibits HIV-1 replication by more than 90% with no evidence of detrimental changes to cell viability. These encouraging early stage results pave the way for further preclinical studies in drug resistant strains of HIV.
Betulinol is a naturally occurring compound that is isolated from the outer layer of the bark of the white birch tree. Betulinol derivatives are formed by replacing a specific atom or group of atoms within a betulinol molecule.
Although these results appear to suggest a new composition for inhibiting the HIV virus that causes AIDS, additional preclinical studies are needed to determine the potential of this new derivative. Marc Pharmaceuticals emphasizes that these early stage test results have not been proven in clinical trials, making it impossible to predict whether this derivative will be useful for treating HIV infection or AIDS.