AWARDING THE NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSIOLOGY OR MEDICINE TO FRANCOISE BARRÉ-SINOUSSI
andLucMontagnierforthediscoveryofHIV-1,thecausativeagentofAIDS(1),istimelygiven the harm that the virus continues to inflict on the people of the world.
While these awardees fully deserve the award, it is equally important to recognize the con- tributionsofRobertC.Gallo.GallodefinitivelyprovedHIV-1asthecauseofAIDSthroughthe successful isolation and long-term cultivation of HIV-1 and developed a diagnostic kit that pre- vented new infections and saved thousands of lives.