UAG PARTNERS WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND INSTITUTE OF VIROLOGY

In recent days the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara and the University of Maryland Institute of Virology signed a memorandum of understanding.  Dr. Robert C. Gallo, Co-discoverer of the Immune deficiency syndrome and Director of the Human Virology Institute along with Mr. Antonio Leaño Reyes, President of the UAG, signed this accord.

One of ongoing studies done at the Institute is research of the HIV virus along with research on other chronic diseases such as hepatitis and papiloma, which produces cancer.

Dr. Gallo stated, “The most important aspect is viewing all the variations of infections which patients with HIV suffer”.    Dr. Gallo also developed the HIV blood test that determines whether or not a person is a carrier of the virus.

He congratulated the UAG for their foresight in the construction of a research park in the area of biotechnology.  This new research park will be built on the Clinical Campus of the School of Medicine close to Hospital Angel Leaño.  The UAG has one of the most solid and necessary infrastructures in Latin America for the development of this research. park.

A second phase for the establishment and consolidation of the Institute of Virology at the UAG will be announced during the University’s 72nd anniversary in March 2007. Various experts in virology will meet during a conference at that time to define the fields of study.

HONORIS CAUSA DOCTORATE

After a warm welcome, President Leaño briefly recanted the history of the UAG’s 71 years of development.  He was pleased to announce that very shortly the Honoris Causa Doctorate would be bestowed on Dr. Gallo in recognition of his outstanding work in the field of medical science.

EXTENSIVE RESEARCH REQUIRED

Dr. Gallo recounted that when he begin his scientific career more than 40 years ago at the National Cancer Institute of the United States, he did not know what to study whereas today there are many areas and obvious procedures which can be done with basic sciences.  He noted that it would be a historical day for the UAG School of Medicine when the biotechnology Research Park is inaugurated.

“Education is the main purpose of the school of medicine. Yet, when you combine solid investigation with education you can be assured that education will not be just for memorizing and studying the past but also for looking forward and discovering what is new.

When there is no research you only base your education on books but now your work will write the books of tomorrow. This is a very big decision that carries with it a great responsibility but I believe it is very necessary.

Those of us in the Institute in Maryland are privileged to be enrolled in this collaborative potential through Latin America in general, specifically Mexico and, of course, the universities with whom we have become involved. We believe we should be closer to our neighbors and that we should be better friends.  I feel a great privilege to be involved with Latin America, “stated Dr. Gallo.

Dr. Robert Trujillo, Program Director/Virology and Neurosciences in Latin America at the University of Maryland, mentioned that a research park like the one that will be built by the UAG would provide an opportunity for Mexico to enter a new level of vaccine development in various areas of virology.

IN SEARCH OF AN HIV VACCINE

In response to a media question to Dr. Gallo concerning the proximity of the discovery of an HIV vaccine Dr. Gallo responded:

“No one on this earth can supply a precise answer to that question.  We are not even sure that someday there will be an HIV vaccine, that is my pessimistic scenario. Yet, I truly believe that there will be a vaccine.  The recent discoveries like “how”the virus enters the cells have opened new avenues that give me a feeling of optimism never before experienced.  But, I cannot give you a date.  We have at the Institute a possible vaccine, interesting, but I am not very enthused because the HIV virus has many tricks up its sleeve. 

We have discovered a way to make the antibodies reject the entry of the virus into the cells.  I have no doubt that variations are the keys to our success, suffice it to say, the virus has other serious difficulties which I am not sure we have been able to overcome.

One of the most frustrating aspects of my scientific career is to witness first hand how terribly long it takes to make progress in this research.  Eventually, we will have to perform experiments on monkeys. But they are very expensive, they take too much time and there are not enough animals. The experiments frequently have to be repeated and essentially this takes years.”

Dr. Gallo mentioned that a breeding center for research animals at the UAG is being contemplated.