Medicine: A Ray of Hope in the Fight Against Aids

While not a cure, an experimental drug called AZT prolongs the life of patients

"This is not a cure. We don't want to overpromise to the thousands of people who have AIDS." Robert Windom, of the Department of Health and Human Services, chose his words carefully as he faced the press in Washington last ! week, determined not to raise any false hopes. Despite Windom's caution, the dramatic news he reported was bound to be en couraging to AIDS victims around the world: early results of clinical tests with an experimental drug called azidothymidine (AZT) had shown that it slowed the attack of the AIDS virus and seemed to prolong the lives of many of...

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!