FDA approves new HIV drug from Johnson & Johnson

Here is an interesting article I just read:

“(AP) WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration says it approved a new HIV drug from Johnson & Johnson for patients who have not been treated with other medications for the virus.

The once-a-day pill Edurant works by blocking the virus from reproducing. It is designed to be used with other drugs that reduce levels of HIV in the blood.

FDA officials say the approval provides an additional option to HIV patients, who respond differently to various medications.

The FDA approved the drug based on a study showing it was as effective as Sustiva, an older HIV drug already on the market.”

We know HIV medication has exponentially improved since the 1980’s. HIV was originally said to be a devastating punishment from God, targeting people involved in homosexuality and fornication. But from today’s point of view, famous people such as Magic Johnson have been alive for two decades after being diagnosed with HIV. Do you believe this has desensitized AIDS and the fear it once brought to people?

What are your thoughts on the research associated with an HIV vaccine? Is this form of health research something our government should fund? Or should HIV research continue to receive funding from medical philanthropists such as Bill Gates?