(a) whether a scientist at the National Institute of Immunology (NII) has discovered a ribozyme that acts as a molecular scissor to target the genetic makeup of the AIDS virus;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any examination has been conducted by the Government in this regard; and
(d) if so, the extent to which it is likely to help in checking the AIDS?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) to (d): As per the annual report of National Institute of Immunology (NII), they are carrying out study on ribozyme, an RNA cleaving DNA enzyme which has been identified as a novel therapeutic molecule to interfere with the expression target of HIV gene and host factor genes, that is important for HIV infection and replication.