On the occasion of International AIDS Day, Ici Beirut takes you behind the scenes of one of the scientific discoveries of the 20th century.e century: identification of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the infectious agent responsible for AIDS. For the first time, Professor Ara Hovanessian (who was then research director at the French CNRS), is a direct witness and one of the main players in this great progress, appearing, for Ici Beirut , what happened to a discovery that would quickly turn into one. of the biggest scandals in the history of modern science.
Former head of a research unit at the Pasteur Institute and a close colleague of Professor Luc Montagnier – winner of the 2008 Nobel Prize for Medicine for discovering HIV in 1983 – Ara Hovanessian looks back at the key moments that marked the 1980s to 1990, bringing back the proven levels of French discovery. It also highlights the entry of American researchers, as well as accusations of scientific fraud that led to an unprecedented scientific imbroglio.
Did the United States discover HIV at the same time as France? Did the American researcher Robert Gallo ask Montagnier, in 1983, to send him a sample of the recently isolated virus before he announced in 1984 that the United States had discovered the virus responsible for AIDS? Did Gallo hide his scientific data to sue the authors of the discovery?
Alain E. Andrea tells this never-before-seen story, rich in twists and turns, through the testimony of Professor Ara Hovanessian who experienced close to this important moment in scientific history. To find out on the Ici Beirut website, this Tuesday, December 2.
2024-12-01 16:57:00
#AIDS #untold #story..
## The HIV Discovery: A Scientific Scandal Untold
**On the eve of International AIDS Day, we delve into the controversial story behind one of the 20th century’s most crucial scientific breakthroughs: the identification of HIV, the virus responsible for AIDS.** This groundbreaking discovery, forever linked to French virologist luc Montagnier, was soon embroiled in a bitter international dispute, raising ethical questions and fueling accusations of scientific misconduct.
for the first time, **professor Ara Hovanessian**, a key figure in this historical event and close colleague of Professor Montagnier, sheds light on the untold story of the HIV discovery. Professor Hovanessian, former research director at the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), offers an insider’s perspective on the intense scientific race, the crucial role of collaboration, and the subsequent controversy that tarnished the legacy of this landmark achievement.
**The Race to Identify the “AIDS Virus”**
**World Today News:** Professor Hovanessian,can you take us back to the early 1980s? What were the scientific challenges surrounding the mysterious AIDS epidemic,and how did the Pasteur Institute become involved?
**Professor Hovanessian:** In the early 80s,the world was facing a terrifying new disease—AIDS. Its cause was unknown, and its progression was swift and deadly. At the Pasteur Institute, we were acutely aware of the urgency to understand this new threat.
Luc Montagnier, driven by his unwavering commitment to unraveling infectious disease mysteries, assembled a dedicated team to investigate the possible viral cause of AIDS. this team included myself, and we embarked on a meticulous journey of isolating and characterizing the culprit.
**The French Breakthrough and the American Claim**
**World Today News:** In 1983, Montagnier and his team announced the discovery of a new retrovirus, later named HIV.Did American researchers make a simultaneous discovery, or did French researchers maintain a clear lead in this race?
**Professor Hovanessian:** our team at the pasteur Institute were indeed the first to isolate and definitively identify the virus responsible for AIDS. We published our findings in the prestigious journal ‘science’ in May 1983. Subsequently, Robert Gallo, an American researcher, claimed to have independently discovered the same virus, leading to a heated international controversy.
**Accusations,lawsuits,and a Scientific Imbroglio**
How did this scientific rivalry escalate into accusations of scientific misconduct? What was the role of intellectual property rights and the competition for prestige in this dispute?
**Professor Hovanessian:** The controversy surrounding the HIV discovery became deeply entangled with issues of intellectual property and national pride. Gallo’s team claimed they had isolated the virus independently and accused Montagnier of not sufficiently sharing his findings.
This led to a protracted legal battle, with both sides vying for recognition and control over patents related to HIV diagnostics and treatments. The dispute was ultimately resolved in 1987, with both Montagnier and Gallo being recognized for their contributions, even though the scientific community largely acknowledged the pioneering role of the French team.
**Lessons Learned and the Legacy of the HIV Discovery**
**World Today News:** What lessons can be learned from the HIV discovery controversy? How has this event shaped the landscape of scientific collaboration and ethical conduct in research?
**Professor Hovanessian:** The HIV discovery saga underscores the importance of transparency, rigorous scientific practices, and the need for international collaboration in the face of global health crises. It also highlights the ethical dilemmas that can arise when scientific progress intersects with commercial interests.
This event serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that while the pursuit of scientific advancement is paramount, it shoudl be grounded in principles of integrity and shared responsibility.
**Moving Forward: The Fight Against AIDS Continues**
Though controversial, the discovery of HIV marked a turning point in our understanding of and response to the AIDS pandemic.
Professor Hovanessian’s firsthand account illuminates not only the scientific journey but also the complex human drama that unfolded alongside this monumental achievement.
**What are your thoughts on this untold story? Share your views in the comments below and explore other related articles on World Today News for a deeper understanding of the global fight against AIDS.**
