Medicine: Furor Over an AIDS Announcement

Critics say a claim by French doctors is premature

The hubbub began last week with an unusual announcement. According to Georgina Dufoix, France's Minister of Social Affairs, an important discovery had been made that offered "reasonable hope" in the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. At a jam-packed press conference later the same day, three scientists from Laennec Hospital in Paris reported that they had found a drug treatment that produced "a spectacular biological response" in AIDS patients. Such a response, said Dr. Philippe Even, who headed the team, "has never been observed before." The name of this magical potion was unexpectedly familiar: cyclosporine.

The drug, which is responsible for much...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!