Statement by Secretary Heckler

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First -- the probable cause of AIDS has been found -- a
variant of a known human cancer virus, called HTLV-III.
Second -- not only has the agent been identified, but a new
process has been developed to mass produce this virus. This
discovery is equally crucial because it enables us, for the
first time, to characterize the agent in detail and to
understand its behavior.
Third -- With discovery of both the virus and this new
process, we now have a blood test for AIDS which we hope can be
widely available within about six months. We have applied for
the patent on this process today.
With the blood test, we can now identify AIDS victims with
essentially 100 percent certainty. Thus, we should be able to
ensure that blood for transfusion is free from AIDS. We should
be able to prevent transfusion-related AIDS cases, as well as
those which might appear in hemophiliacs.
We will also be able to promptly and easily diagnose people
who may have been infected by the virus, and perhaps develop
ways to prevent the full syndrome from occurring.
Finally -- we also believe that the new process will enable
us to develop a vaccine to prevent AIDS. We hope to have such a
vaccine ready for testing in about two years.