In Pandemics Current and Past, Scientists, Innovators, and Entrepreneurs Advance Discovery and Solutions

Today in 1984, researchers announced that they had isolated and identified HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) as the primary cause of AIDS. Scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs will lead us out of this pandemic, too.

At the time, the AIDS epidemic was making its deadly way through populations across the world, reaching epidemic proportions in the U.S. Amidst the uncertainty of this current pandemic, it is inspiring to observe the historic path of HIV/AIDS research and discovery. 

The research from those dedicated scientists and innovators led to the discovery and isolation of HIV. The determination of innovators and entrepreneurs then led to test kits, treatments, and medications that can dramatically slow the progression of HIV. With government support in terms of grants and FDA processes, researchers have continued to improve HIV treatments—there are more than 20 different options and generic drugs.

The mindset, scientific rigor, and entrepreneurial determination that changed the course of HIV/AIDS still exists. It is our scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs that will lead us out of this pandemic.