Nobel Prize for Discovery of HIV

Posted by Jamie Robertson Oct 13, 2008

Though it has been more than 20 years since the discovery of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, the Nobel Prize committee recently awarded François Barré-Sinoussi and Luc Montagnier, co-discoverers of the virus, the Nobel Prize in Medicine.

The work that these two scientist did in the 1980s laid the foundation for all the research and treatment available today. Both of these scientists remain active in the HIV field, doing research, heading organizations, and assisting in clinical trials.

Were scientist unable to discover this virus, there would be no hope for a vaccine, no anti-retroviral treatments, and no tests for HIV. Blood received during a transfusion could not be trusted and those with HIV would not know until they had become deathly ill. Certainly, this discovery deserves that honor that has been bestowed upon on it.

For more information about the discovery, please read Noble Prize Awarded to Discoverers of HIV.