Cell Genesys Unveils New AIDS Treatment

Cell Genesys Inc. researchers completed successful laboratory tests of a new method for combating the AIDS virus, the company announced. A team of scientists found that immune system cells, which had been genetically programmed to seek and destroy HIV-infected cells, did the job as well as naturally occurring cells that hunt down virus-tainted cells. The naturally occurring immune cells efficiently target infected cells but are quickly lost during the early stages of HIV infection, the company said. The lab trials also showed the genetically programmed cells could seek out and kill the HIV in two types of immune system cells where current drug therapy has made little headway eradicating the virus. Shares in Foster City-based Cell Genesys rose 69 cents to close at $8.50 on Nasdaq.