HIV Blocking Peptide Found

German researchers have identified a peptide that blocks HIV and have synthesized a variant that is 100 times more potent than the natural peptide. The synthetic version has been tested safely on animals and human trials are set to begin later this year. This peptide could obviate existing HIV drugs as it appears to work equally well on all strains of the virus, including drug-resistant ones. The drug is made by IPF Pharmaceuticals of Hannover.