MIRI, Mon. – Tests of Bintangor tree or Calophyllum Lanigerum have shown exciting prospects for the treatment of HIV and AIDS as its chemical component was found to be able to penetrate the brain.

This is a breakthrough as the component is the only element known to be able to penetrate and fight the HIV and AIDS viruses in the brain.

Lanigerum is one of two species of Bintangor tree (Calophyllum) which was selected for research following the discovery of its medicinal value in 1987 by D.D Soejarto, a research from University of Illinois-Chicago.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud today said earlier test had proved the efficacy of the chemical component in treating AIDS and the clinical tests are now in the final stages where an undisclosed mixture with other drugs are now tested on AIDS patients around the world.

The potent chemical component, Selonide B, has been found to be critical element in the cocktail AIDS vaccine, which is currently being developed by the State in collaboration with its partners in the United States.

"There is no more doubt about its capability to cure AIDS now but rather how to develop the drug – whether in capsule or other forms," an upbeat Taib told a press conference here after delivering a keynote address at Curtin Sarawak Campus Strategic Planning Workshop.

Initial tests on ordinary people for allergic reaction or adverse effects had already been carried out and encouraging results had impressed even the stringent FDA of the United States, which granted a fast two-year development programme to the company.

Malaysian Health Minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng has already expressed optimism the cure of AIDS/HIV may lie in this extract, which may also be effective against cancer.

The product from the tests is now administered to selected AIDS patients in the United States and a patient in Kuala Lumpur, where research is also conducted to produce the best combination of drugs involving Lanigerum component.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Dr George Chan, a private practitioner before taking up politics, said that tests had shown that the AIDS viruses did not develop an immediate resistance to the cocktail.

This is an advantage as viruses usually develop resistance to other drugs or cocktails quickly and render them ineffective.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister declined to comment on the amount of revenue which could be generated by the medicinal product for the State.

He said it was still under wraps to guard this intellectual and bio-diversity property and avoid loss of earnings if usurped in this competitive industry.

The State will collect royalty from the success of this joint-venture and regulations to prohibit cutting of Bintangor trees and removal of any part or export of the tree in 1993, have been tightened with gazetting of the Bio-Diversity. Act in the State Assembly sitting.

"What is more important is we can help the world with this joint-ventures with the American company," said Chan, who is also Minister of Finance and Public Utilities.

Source : The Borneo Post, 14.7.1999