The two will co-operate in a research and test programme to explore clinical efficacy of certain naturally occurring substances that are believed to have therapeutic value for HIV-1, which they propose to make available to patients, under safe conditions.

HIV is a retrovirus that can lead to the onset of acquired immuno deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Suven says that an estimated 0.6 per cent of the global population is infected with HIV, mainly in Africa and Indian Sub-continent. Current antiretroviral therapy is not only costly but also not accessible in many parts of the world.

Collaborating with the University of Minnestoa to develop drugs to meet this requirement by using natural resources enthused us to enter into this collaboration." says Venkat Jasti, CEO, Suven Life Sciences.

Dr. Phillip Peterson, director, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Translational Research and Dr Ramaiah Muthyala, associate director, Centre for Orphan Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, stated that they were particularly impressed with the shared mission and vision of their centres and Suven to translate discoveries into inexpensive therapies that could be available to masses for the treatment and prevention of life threatening diseases like HIV and AIDS.