University of Michigan scientists have provided the most detailed picture yet of a key HIV accessory protein that foils the body's normal immune response.

Researchers have developed what they believe is the first new mechanism in nearly 20 years for inhibiting a common target used to treat all HIV patients, which could eventually lead to a new class of AIDS drugs.

U.S. health officials are examining AIDS drugs sold by GlaxoSmithKline Plc and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co after a study showed a higher heart-attack risk compared with other HIV medicines, the Food and Drug Administration said on Thursday.

A group working to develop a gel or cream women could use to protect themselves against the AIDS virus said on Tuesday they have permission to use an experimental new drug from Merck and Co.

Brazil’s strategy of negotiating AIDS drug prices with multinational pharmaceutical companies and producing generic AIDS drugs locally saved that country’s AIDS program approximately 1 billion US dollars between 2001 and 2005, according to research published in PLoS Medicine.

AIDS continues to be a staggering global public health problem. The World Health Organization estimates that two million people in developing countries receive treatment known as HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy), more commonly known as “AIDS cocktails.” This number represents just 25% of those in need of treatment in these countries.

During a brief visit to the capital of Austria Bill Clinton pocketed a million-dollar check for his anti-AIDS program. Clinton received the check Thursday evening at an open-air classical music concert on the sprawling grounds of Vienna's Schoenbrunn Palace.

Former President Bill Clinton has announced a new deal with drug companies that will significantly lower the cost of AIDS drugs in 66 developing countries. From New York City, Victoria Cavaliere reports for VOA that the deal includes a once-daily AIDS medicine now available for less than $1 per day.