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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2009
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Scientists Map Common Cold's Genome

Makes creating a cure possible, but still pricey and unlikely

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(Newser) – Researchers have completed a “family tree” for the common cold, paving the way for an eventual cure to one of mankind’s most stubborn ailments, the New York Times reports. Scientists mapped the genomes of the 99 variations of rhinovirus, which causes most colds, and have cataloged the weaknesses of specific strains. The rhinovirus’s wide genetic variation has long stymied efforts to find a cure.

But so has the disease’s mild symptoms, the Times notes, because pharmaceutical firms know the public will be unwilling to pay for a high-priced remedy when bed rest and chicken soup will do. Big pharma may be interested in the rhinovirus genome project for another reason: The virus also causes half of all asthma attacks, and there may be a substantial market for antiviral agents effective at suppressing those strains.

Researchers think a cure for the common cold may be in sight.
Researchers think a cure for the common cold may be in sight.   (Shutterstock)
New research maps the genome of 99 strains of rhinovirus.
New research maps the genome of 99 strains of rhinovirus.   (Shutterstock)
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We are now quite certain that we see the Achilles heel, and that a very effective treatment for the common cold is at hand.
- Stephen B. Liggett, an asthma expert at the University of Maryland

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tommy
Feb 12, 09 8:05 PM CST
The pharmacy companies would rather invent treatments for symptoms than invent cures. If you cure your patient you loose the revenue stream. This is the one place where government might help by offering rewards to firms for cures. Reply
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Corona_Kinq
Feb 13, 09 9:38 AM CST
Do we even want a cure? I was under the impression getting colds keeps our immune systems active and strong. Sorta like when astronauts go into space...they lose muscle if they don't use it. Reply
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Read the abstract of the rhinovirus genome study in Science
Science

Find out more about how the rhinovirus works
Reuters


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pharmaceutical companies • genome • virus • asthma • common cold • pharmaceutical industry • cold • rhinovirus

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