HIV, FOR AN ETHICS OF CURE: AN ANALYSIS OF THE BIOETHICAL ASPECTS OF CURRENT RESEARCH WITH HIV AND CRISPR-CAS9

Abstract

The search for a cure for HIV infection remains ongoing. Although conventional methods do not eradicate the virus, they allow people living with HIV to have a better quality of life, provided they correctly follow their medication treatment. With the advancement of biotechnology and genetic engineering, especially through the CRISPR-Cas9 technique, new therapeutic possibilities have been explored. This study conducted an integrative review and bioethical analysis of current research aimed at a functional cure for HIV through genetic manipulation of the human genome. Using the PubMed database, 115,538 articles with the descriptor "HIV" were identified; including "CRISPR" yielded 444 results, and adding "cure" yielded 83, of which 80 were analyzed after exclusions due to thematic irrelevance. The research highlighted the development of HIV control methods and associated bioethical violations, such as lack of representation, failures in informed consent, and unequal access to treatments. The conclusion is that, despite the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, significant ethical concerns persist. Interventional bioethics, based on the principles of prudence, protection, precaution, and prevention, should guide this research. Equitable access and the involvement of the pharmaceutical industry are essential to ensuring ethical and inclusive advances, fostering an ongoing dialogue between science and bioethics.

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