Anti-HIV drugs may be multi-purpose

While drug-based HIV treatments have been known to be expensive, researchers believe that they may be able to treat a variety of serious diseases, which could justify their price, according to a recent study published in the FASEB Journal.

The scientists explained that previous studies have shown that these types of drugs can reduce symptoms of parasitic diseases, such as malaria and leishmaniasis. However, the new research identifies how the medications reduce the speed at which a specific protein, called Ddi 1, is secreted by cells that are infected with the parasites.

"Like HIV, parasitic diseases have been and still are a serious threat to human health world-wide. Millions die each year from these maladies and we desperately need new drugs. How fortuitous that agents designed against one killer, HIV, may now be turned against parasitic diseases such as leishmaniasis and malaria," said Gerald Weissmann, editor-in-chief of the journal.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 1.1 million Americans living with HIV. Early diagnosis of the sexually transmitted disease may decrease an individuals risk of developing AIDS by promoting early use of antiretroviral drugs.