The Fascinating Story about Suppressing HIV
26. 11. 2019
The joint tireless efforts of Czech chemist Antonín Holý and Belgian virologist Erik De Clercq to develop new antiviral drugs is the theme of the book entitled Cold War Triangle: How Scientists in East and West Tamed HIV by Renilde Loeckx. Its Czech version was launched in Prague on November 12, 2019.
The greatest successes of the Czech biomedicine over the past several decades include the discovery of new antiviral compounds that can save lives of millions of people suffering from hepatitis B and AIDS. They have come into existence thanks to close co-operation among Czech chemist Antonín Holý of the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Belgian virologist Erik De Clercq from KU Leuven and the US biotechnology company Gilead Sciences Inc., which focuses mainly on antiviral medicines.
It was almost a miracle. In spite of the Cold War, the two scientists divided by the Iron Curtain joined forces to synthesize and test numerous new compounds. Against the backdrop of the unfolding AIDS epidemic, they made every effort to select the ones with the greatest potential for treating several viral infections. Together with the Gilead Sciences, they achieved their goal and produced a new class of highly effective drugs used to combat HIV and AIDS.
Renilde Loeckx
Erik De Clercq
The book Cold War Triangle: How Scientists in East and West Tamed HIV by Renilde Loeckx tells their fascinating story. Asked by the Czech Academy of Sciences why she had decided to depict their persevering struggle, she said: “Professor Erik De Clercq is, of course, very satisfied that many viruses, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been defeated. He nevertheless points out that modern virology still faces numerous challenges.”
The book was translated into Czech by Jaroslav Kurfürst and it was launched at the Dejvice Theatre in Prague on November 12, 2019. The presentation ceremony was held under the auspices of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium and the US Embassy in the Czech Republic. Apart from Prof. Erik De Clercq and Renilde Loeckx, it was also attended by the Belgian ambassador Grégoire Cuvelier, US ambassador Stephen B. King, IOCB Prague director Zdeněk Hostomský, former IOCB Prague director and the Vice director of the CAS Zdeněk Havlas and many other distinguished guests.
Prepared by: Jana Olivová, Division of External Relations of the CAO of the CAS
Photo: Tomáš Belloň, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS
Read also
- Wildfires on the Rise in Europe and Set to Double by 2100. What Can We Do?
- The CAS Photogenic Science Contest Invites Entries
- The CAS Launches New Research Programs as Part of Its Strategy AV21
- Academy Assembly – Thirteen Priorities to Boost Basic and Applied Research
- We Must Prioritize Science, Czech President Petr Pavel Says on His Academy Visit
- Radomír Pánek Visits CAS Institutes, Aiming to Strengthen the Academy’s Unity
- Small but Mighty – The Enceladus Moon Is Flexing with Saturn’s Magnetic Field
- Light vs. Antibiotics – Can We Get Harmful Substances Out of Our Water?
- Better ECGs and Industrial Superlasers – Real-World Results of CAS Research
- Czech Academy of Sciences to launch a joint-stock company
The Czech Academy of Sciences (the CAS)
The mission of the CAS
The primary mission of the CAS is to conduct research in a broad spectrum of natural, technical and social sciences as well as humanities. This research aims to advance progress of scientific knowledge at the international level, considering, however, the specific needs of the Czech society and the national culture.
President of the CAS
Prof. Radomír Pánek started his first term of office in March 2025. He is a prominent Czech scientist specializing in plasma physics and nuclear fusion.