News @ a glance

Figure. Photo by: Comstock

Potential cure for HIV: Researchers in Texas have found that valproic acid can awaken dormant HIV infection in cells, meaning HIV may become curable. Their proof-of-concept study (Lancet 2005;366:549-55) showed the number of HIV infected cells in 3 of 4 patients studied declined substantially 16–18 weeks (75% average reduction) after the start of valproic acid, a commonly used anticonvulsant. Patients had been stabilized on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) first. Valproic acid stops histone deacetylation, a process that allows HIV to “rest” in cells. If HIV is unable to lie dormant in cells, all HIV can be killed with HAART. As a result, patients may no longer require lifelong therapy to treat reactivated virus, effectively cured. — Sally Murray, CMAJ

Tell the CMA: The Canadian Medical Association is sending a letter to members asking for their view of the private-public health care debate. In August, CMA General Council passed several resolutions (CMAJ 2005:173:565) supporting a strong publicly funded health care system, but also allowing that “when timely access to care is not available within [that system], patients should be able to use private insurance.” In the letter, CMA President Dr. Ruth Collins-Nakai asks for physicians' opinion to help guide the association's policy principles. Email: yourvoice{at}cma.ca or votrevoix{at}cma.ca

Sports and tobacco: The Quebec Court of Appeal has struck down a long-standing law prohibiting the name of a tobacco firm from being associated with a public event. Three tobacco companies — JTI-Macdonald Corp., Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc., and Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd. — claimed the law restricted their freedom of expression. Mr. Justice Andre Brossard wrote that the existing law goes too far and that there is no harm in allowing a corporation to use its name when that name “bears no harmful connotation.” Garfield Mahood of Canada's Nonsmokers Rights Association says this “loophole” can be “exploited by the industry to buy legitimacy.” — Compiled by Barbara Sibbald, CMAJ