(U-WIRE) KINGSTON, R.I. – Dr. Keykavous Parang, a pharmacy professor at the University of Rhode Island, has developed a chemical compound after 18 years of research that could prevent contraction of HIV, which causes AIDS. He is also researching a compound that could slow the growth of cancer cells.
The HIV-related compounds, which Parang calls “KP1” and “KP17,” will be used in a cream that a woman could apply before sexual intercourse. The compounds in the cream would prevent contraction of HIV and also act as a contraceptive by killing the man’s sperm.
Parang said the scientists wanted to develop a cream that is HIV virus resistant, has no side effects, causes no irritation, can be used easily, is affordable and could be sold over-the-counter.
“So what we are trying to do is develop a microbicide,” Parang said.
The development of a vaccine has been abandoned by many scientists because HIV mutates quickly, and a new vaccine would be needed for every case; which is the same reason why a cure for the common cold hasn’t been found, according to Parang.
The topical nature of the HIV resistant cream avoids that problem while fulfilling many of the researchers’ initial goals.
“We don’t have a lot of other problems associated with the other drugs,” Parang said.
A chief problem with anti-viral drugs, which are administered to AIDS patients, is that while the drugs slow the progress of AIDS in the body, they can destroy good red blood cells, and many of the drugs need to be taken for the rest of the victim’s life.
“It’s easier to develop because it’s going to be topically administered,” Parang said.
The cream could be available to consumers in 10 years, Parang said. In the first stages of testing, rabbits will be given a 50-gram dose, and if animal trials are successful, human volunteers will be tested. Some cellular tests have already been conducted.
“Results indicated that several compounds exhibit highly promising antiviral activity,” Parang said.
Parang has received $1.2 million in research funds during the last year for his HIV and cancer-related research projects, and a total of $2.2 million since he arrived at URI seven years ago.
Dr. Parang’s research has been published more than 60 times. His scientific team includes Dr. Reza Mehvar, Dr. Gustavo Doncel, Dr. Solomon Snyder, Dr. Aaron Schuler, Dr. Chandravnu Dash, and Nestor Carballeira. He has two URI collaborators, Dr. Gonqin Sun and Dr. Geoff Bhotun.