By Daniel Jackson

A compound invented by BYU chemistry professor Paul D. Savage killed multiple strains of the virus that causes AIDS in early laboratory tests, according to statement from Ceragenix Pharmaceuticals on Monday, Feb.6, 2006.

Savage worked with Vanderbilt University professor Derya Unutmaz in developing and testing a family of compounds known as Ceragenins, or CSAs. One compound in particular, CSA-54, was particularly effective in inhibiting HIV infection of human T cells and killing different strains of the virus, Unutmaz said.

The compound apparently works by attacking the viral membrane, preventing it from interacting the T cells that HIV normally targets.

"This is particularly important, as a compound that targets the viral membrane is likely to be effective against all strains of the virus, regardless of mutations," Unutmaz said.

The entire family of CSAs is licensed to Ceragenix Pharmaceuticals, a Denver-based biopharmaceutical company that owns the patent to Barrier Repair Technology for treatment of skin disorders as well as the license for Ceragenins. BYU and Vanderbilt have also jointly filed a patent on Ceragenin technology, according to a Ceragenix press release.

BYU spokesman Grant Madsen cautioned against unrealistic hype concerning the compound, noting that the tests were conducted in test tubes and not in animals or humans. He said the researchers will probably either continue to recreate the original tests or begin testing on animals.

"Although any possible treatment is still a long way off, we're encouraged by these early studies of Dr. Savage's compounds and look forward to more research in this area," Madsen said.

In an interview with Salt Lake Tribune reporter Bob Mims, Savage reiterated Madsen's concerns about misleading publicity.

"We have some preliminary but very exciting results," Savage said. "We would like to formally show this before making any claims that would cause unwanted hype."

Savage further told the Tribune that the potential uses of Ceragenins are much broader than their application in AIDS drugs. He noted the drugs have also shown promise in fighting microbial and bacteria infections.

Savage was not available to speak to The Daily Universe at the time this article was written.