Virtual Physiological Human research initiative: the future for rational HIV treatment design?

Abstract

The clinical management of HIV-positive patients receiving existing drug regimens is performed largely as a clinician’s best guess, based on available viral and patient data. The development of new antiretroviral therapies for HIV is at an impasse. How can we progress beyond this? ViroLab, an example of a new ‘style’ of research project, is attempting to answer this question by stepping into the realm of prediction. A method is in development that can model and predict the efficacy of antiretroviral treatment and may enhance clinical decision support. If extended, this method can potentially target any other pathology where a ligand–substrate interaction is concerned. This type of research falls within the remit of a new initiative: the Virtual Physiological Human (VPH). The potential impact of VPH on current and future rational treatment design is discussed.