IMOD
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
IMOD (short for "Immuno-Modulator Drug") is the name of an herbal drug that Iranian scientists allege protects those already infected by HIV from the spread of AIDS by strengthening the immune system. IMOD was purportedly invented by Iranian scientists in 2006, and its alleged discovery was made public in 2007. No evidence has been put forward of its efficacy that can be objectively tested by scientists outside Iran, and the press releases could be part of a propaganda campaign within Iran to counter increasing domestic criticism of poor healthcare services and general nutrition of the poor.[1]
The medicine has been approved and announced by the Iranian Ministry of Health.[2] [3] As Kamran Baqeri Lankarani, Health Minister of Iran, said, the medicine is produced using nano technology [4] - no further details have been given, but it is unlikely that nanotechnology was involved in reality.
However, the drug has yet to be tested by western labs, nor have other nations had a chance to approve it for use. According to Iran, the drug took five years to develop and has been tested on 200 patients. Widespread testing to measure its efficacy is forthcoming.[5]
The drug's claimed effect is to control or reduce the spread of HIV infection in the human body, and secondarily to control the infection by the virus. Iranian Health Minister Kamran Baqeri Lankarani is quoted as saying "The herbal-made medication, we call it IMOD, serves to rein the AIDS virus and redouble the body’s immunity. It is not a medication to completely kill the virus, it can be used besides other anti-retroviral drugs. The drug is that effective and safe with no proved side effects." As he mention "the medicine, was invented by 15 research centers after four to five years of work. It has been tested on 200 volunteer patients." IMOD is a fifth generation medication against AIDS.[6]
