Burroughs Wellcome and Azt Case Study

Burroughs Wellcome and AZT

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, commonly referred to as AIDS, was considered one of the most mysterious syndromes in the late 1970s. AIDS is a disease of the human immune system cause by infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This disease gradually destroys the white blood cells, a key part in the body’s immune system, and leaves the affected individual vulnerable to a variety of infections and diseases. By the 1980’s it was clear that the public demanded research into the causes and treatment, if not a cure, for AIDS.

To treat the symptoms of AIDS, Azidothymidine (AZT) was brought to the market by one of the world’s oldest multinational pharmaceutical firms, Wellcome PLC. Pharmaceutical companies had a primary incentive for finding an antiviral that would be effective against the AIDS virus: obtaining patent protection and exclusive rights to their discoveries. Through extensive investment, research, and development this compound was determined to be the most effective anti-HIV compound. This drug had proven to show significant improvement in the conditions of people with aids. For example, the first patient that was administered the drug initially had a high temperature, but after stabilization he showed significant improvement and his weight seemed to increase. In following trials with AZT, nearly all of the participants gained weight and experienced some improvement in their immune systems.

However, AZT also produced some significant side effects. With such high dosages of the drug, many people experienced side effects, such as severe anemia, resulting from the toxicity of the drug. Many even required blood transfusions several times per month to boost their red blood cell count. Others discontinued use of the drug because they could not handle these adverse effects. Almost all observers agreed that AZT was not the ultimate treatment for AIDS since the drug only slowed the replication of HIV in the...