AIDS Research Exposed: Profits Over Progress in a Deadly Epidemic

In the late 1980s, investigative journalist Barry Werth delved into AIDS research at Harvard, exposing a system that prioritized profits over progress. Two scientists closely tied to Dr. Robert Gallo, who claimed to have discovered the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), wielded significant influence and amassed wealth by positioning themselves at the forefront of the research. They used their power to suppress findings that contradicted their agenda, while also boycotting and discrediting opposing views.

The epidemic was in its ninth year, with no effective treatments available. The discovery of a cure for AIDS was seen as not worth the investment by many drug companies, which were profiting from marketing pills for chronic diseases. Werth's investigation revealed that a self-serving orthodoxy was hindering progress, and he discovered that few researchers supported Dr. David Baltimore's proposal for a Manhattan Project against AIDS, an all-out, government-led crash program to develop an effective cure.

Werth's work on the story led him to understand the complex interactions between commercial medicine, Wall Street, the federal government, and academia regarding healthcare and welfare in times of crisis. He later gained access to Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a fledgling drug company founded by Joshua Boger, which aimed to develop safer and more effective drugs through structure-based design.

Boger initially doubted that his team could compete with established companies like Merck, but eventually committed to the challenge. Werth's account of Vertex's efforts highlights the complexities and challenges involved in discovering new medicines and making them accessible to those who need them.