Münch was given the award for the discovery of a new protein that prevents the HI virus from intruding into the T-helper cells of the human immune system and hence from proliferating and damaging the immune system.

Münch and his team of researchers succeeded in increasing the inhibitory effect of a natural blood protein (peptide) by modifying its molecular structure. The new HIV inhibitor has the potential to become a new class of anti-viral drugs in the fight against AIDS, said the University Hospital’s press office. The HIV drug has already entered clinical testing. The prizewinner hopes that the new development will contribute to reducing the viral load of AIDS patients.

Into its sixth year, the Dr. Ernst Wiethoff Award 2008 for innovative clinical research carries the name of the long-term medical director of Abbott Germany. The award is given to young researchers under the age of 38 for clinically important medical innovations.

Source: University Hospital Ulm - 26 September 2008 (P, wp, 29 June 2008)