The study conducted by researchers from University of North Carolina, USA and published in 2019in the magazine Natural immunologyhas warned that using metformin, a common diabetes drug, could eradicate HIV by attacking infected cells in the reservoir. Recently, this one that looks like a miraculous potionhas demonstrated surprising progress in the field of medicine and longevity, which also has a promising effect on slowing down aging.
But these days, we knew thanks to a publication
in the magazine Science led by an immunologist Petronela Ancuta, from the research center the University of Montreal, what next? the wake marked, apparently, by American researchers, this remedy against diabetes, could be used to attacking HIV reservoirs, that is, the secret place where disease takes refuge in the human body.
While it is true that any research on HIV is essential and must give hope to patients suffering from this pathology, treatments for diabetes now seem endless against all types of diseases. However, reality must be taken with a grain of salt.
If so, it would be a breakthrough that could revolutionize theHe is fighting one of the most devastating diseases of the 20th century. This discovery undoubtedly opens new therapeutic possibilities for the millions of people living with the virus and raises questions about the multiple applications of a drug that has been on the market for years.
What is metformin?
Metformin is one of the drugs the oldest and most widely prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This medication works by lowering blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity. Due to its low cost and effectiveness, it has become a mainstay of diabetes treatment worldwide. However, more recent studies have revealed that its effects may extend far beyond glycemic control.
What makes it interesting metformin is its ability to modulate the immune response. Previous research had already shown that this drug has anti-inflammatory properties and may influence the activation of certain immune cells. This new study suggests that metformin may help limit chronic activation of the immune system seen in people living with HIVa process that not only accelerates the deterioration of the immune system, but is also associated with long-term complications.
The first studies on the relationship between metformin and HIV were carried out in animal models and then in preliminary clinical trials in humans. The results showed that HIV-positive patients who also took metformin They found reduced levels of systemic inflammation and greater stability of CD4+ T cells, suggesting that the drug could complement current treatments.
This discovery is particularly relevant at a time when scientists are looking for ways to functionally heal HIVthat is, keeping the virus under control without the need for daily medication for life. Although antiretroviral treatments have transformed the lives of millions of people, the idea of a complete cure remains elusive.
What does this finding mean?
Although it is still early to consider metformin as a cure or alternative treatment for HIVThe results are promising. Scientists are now planning larger and more rigorous clinical trials to confirm these preliminary results and determine the optimal dosage to use in HIV-infected patients. If its effectiveness is confirmed, metformin could become complementary treatment to antiretroviralsreducing the inflammatory impact of HIV and improving quality of life.
This discovery also highlights the importance of studying existing drugs for other applications. Metformin has been shown to have unexpected benefits in other areas, such as longevity and treatment of certain types of cancer..
Final thoughts
The discovery that metformin, a drug used for decades to treat diabetes, may be effective against HIV is a reminder that the scientific progress It is not always about creating new drugs, but also about reinterpreting and repurposing existing ones. This discovery could offer hope to millions of people and transform the medical approach to treating this disease.
If clinical trials confirm the initial results, metformin could radically change the lives of those battling HIV, expanding the possibilities for more effective treatment and, perhaps one day, a functional cure for the virus. In the meantime, The scientific community will continue to explore all possible avenues to ensure a better future for patients.
