Drug Containing Tick Saliva Could Prevent Neurological and Cardiovascular Diseases By People With HIV

It is known that people living with HIV and taking antiretroviral drugs have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular and neurological diseases. An experimental drug containing substances derived from the tick saliva can prevent or reduce the risk of developing such diseases.

Researchers from NIH and the University of Pittsburgh conducted a study to confirm the efficiency of drugs with elements from the tick saliva, testing them on monkeys with SIV. It was found that the monkeys did not have any neurological problems or heart problems.

The effect of the experimental drug Ixolaris was also tested on blood samples of HIV-positive people taking antiretroviral therapy. According to the results of the research, it was found that the drug successfully blocks the activity of proteins that affect the development of cardiovascular diseases. The full results of the study are published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Photo - U.S. Department of Agriculture