LYCOS RETRIEVER
Viral: Viral Genetics
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Viral Genetics, Inc. is a biotechnology company that discovers and develops immune-based therapies for HIV and AIDS using its thymus nuclear protein compound. This compound may have other potential applications for other infectious, autoimmune, and immunological deficiency diseases that the company intends to study in the future. Viral Genetics believes that VGV-1 represents a significant and unique approach to treating HIV due to the apparently novel mechanism, low toxicity profile, simple dosing regimen, and short-course of treatment. Online at www.viralgenetics.com
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Common viral infections may be diagnosed based on symptoms. For infections that occur in epidemics (such as influenza), the presence of other similar cases may help doctors identify a particular infection. For other infections, blood tests and cultures (growing microorganisms in the laboratory from samples of blood, body fluid, or other material taken from an infected area) may be done. Blood may be tested for antibodies to viruses or for antigens (proteins on or in viruses that trigger the body's defenses). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques may be used to make many copies of the viral genetic material, enabling doctors to rapidly and accurately identify the virus. Tests are sometimes done quickly—for instance, when the infection is a serious threat to public health or when symptoms are severe.
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Qualitative assays detect the presence of viral genetic material and give a "yes-no" answer as to whether the target virus is present. In contrast, quantitative assays are used to estimate the amount of genetic material present in a sample. Gen-Probe's new viral products are not approved for quantitative use.
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A live web cast of the Rodman & Renshaw presentation will be available in the Investors section of Viral Genetics' web site at www.viralgenetics.com. The web cast will be archived and accessible for 90 days.
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