FAMU Vice President Receives Patent for HIV Treatment Development

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– A significant breakthrough in the treatment of HIV infection has been achieved by Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Interim Vice President of Research, Kinfe Ken Redda, and his research team. The team has been awarded a patent for the development of therapeutic agents that could potentially revolutionize the treatment of HIV.

The patent, United States Patent #8,314,143, is titled “Synthetic Flavonoids and Pharmaceutical Compositions and Therapeutic Methods of Treatment of HIV Infection and Other Pathologies.” It represents a significant milestone in Redda’s research, which has spanned over a quarter of a century.

The patent relates to the development of novel therapeutic agents, specifically a group of compounds called flavonoids, which are known for their wide range of biological activities. These synthetic flavonoid derivatives are designed to target a specific enzyme, HIV integrase, which is crucial for the replication of the virus.

Redda, who is the principal investigator and co-inventor, expressed his excitement about the breakthrough, stating, “A lot of work, money and analysis were invested into this major discovery. We believe in our work. Our goal is certainly to make sure that this discovery will lead to the development of a more effective drug for the treatment of the HIV virus at an affordable price.”

Despite the significant progress, Redda acknowledges that there is still a long way to go before the right remedy for treating HIV infection is realized. However, he remains optimistic about the potential of their discovery, stating, “Our compounds showed superior inhibitory activities, compared to zidovudine (AZT), a popular drug used for HIV treatment. There is great potential for this substance to become an effective HIV and AIDS treatment.”

Redda’s research team includes Nelly Mateeva, an associate professor in FAMU’s Department of Chemistry, and Chavonda Janeebra Mills, an associate professor at Georgia College and State University. Mills was a doctorate student in the FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences during the initial process of their research.

Redda, a professor of medicinal chemistry in the FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, is a prolific research grant writer at FAMU. He has generated more than $30.1 million from research and training grant awards at his institution. Redda has also authored more than 50 scientific peer-reviewed and indexed papers and his research findings have been presented in more than 100 national and international scientific meetings.

Mateeva, a recipient of the 2010 FAMU Emerging Researcher Award, has co-authored 20 publications in refereed journals and has presented nearly 30 presentations on academic conferences. She currently has two grants from the Department of Homeland Security and the National Center for Food Protection and Defense.

Mills, an associate professor of chemistry at Georgia College and State University, has won numerous awards including a National Science Foundation Travel Award (2009), Merck-UNCF research fellowship (2010), STEM Women of Color Conclave Travel Award (2011) and the National Science Foundation CWCS fellowship.

For more information about the patent and the related research, contact Ken Redda at (850) 412-5102 or email him at kinfe.redda@famu.edu.