The Institute of Molecular Medicine of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon (IMM-FMUL) leads a Consortium of three countries in a European project about HIV, with funding of about four hundred thousand euros. For Professor Miguel Castanho, Director of the laboratory at the IMM-FMUL and leader of the HIVERA project, the leadership of this Consortium represents a unique opportunity for Portuguese research, since its goal is to get innovative drugs, combine them and ensure a better distribution within the human body. This project brings together the expertise of four teams from three countries: Portugal, France and Romania, with the aim of developing new pharmacological approaches and assess their effectiveness. All partners will contribute with their different experiences: the IMM-FMUL team will study the interaction between fusion inhibitors of HIV-1 and anti-HIV antibodies and cell membranes; the FFUL team will use its expertise in the development of new anti-HIV antibodies and in assays to inhibit the replication of HIV-1; the experience of the French team (Pierre et Marie Curie University) will be used in the characterization of membrane-binding molecules and their impact on the normal functioning of these cells; and finally, the Romanian team (University of Bucharest) will focus on the study of molecular dynamics and biophysical techniques. “By completing this work we hope to go further in the pharmacological fight against AIDS and contribute to improving the quality of life of patients through more effective medication”, said Professor Miguel Castanho.

Source: Press release IMM-FMUL