The Life Scientific

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The Life Scientific: Raymond Schinazi on revolutionising treatments for killer viruses

Raymond Schinazi on revolutionising treatments for killer viruses

BBC Radio 4 - The Life Scientific, Raymond Schinazi on revolutionising treatments for killer viruses

Raymond Schinazi on how he helped revolutionise treatments for viruses, from HIV to Herpes

Ray Schinazi talks about his passion for medicine: from his childhood as a refugee, to his breakthrough in HIV drugs, to his role in developing a cure for Hepatitis C.

In recent decades, we've taken huge steps forward in treating formerly fatal viruses: with pharmacological breakthroughs revolutionising treatment for conditions such as HIV, hepatitis and herpes. 

Raymond Schinazi has played a big role in that revolution. 

Ray was born in Egypt, where his mother’s brush with a potentially deadly illness during his childhood inspired a fascination with medicine. His childhood was scattered: after his family were forced to leave their homeland and travelled to Italy as refugees, Ray ended up on a scholarship to a British boarding school - and subsequently went on to study and flourish in the world of chemistry and biology.

Today, Ray is the Director of the Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology at Emory University in Atlanta, where he also set up the renowned Center for AIDS Research.
His work in the early days of HIV studies led to drugs that many with the virus still take today; while his contribution to developing a cure for Hepatitis C has saved millions of lives around the world.

Speaking to Jim Al-Khalili, Ray reflects on his route to success - and explains why he's confident that more big breakthroughs are on the horizon. 


Presented by Jim Al-Khalili
Produced by Lucy Taylor

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work.

Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work, finding out what inspires them and asking what their discoveries might do for us in the future.

Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work, finding out what inspires and motivates them and asking what their discoveries might do for us in the future

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Raymond Schinazi on revolutionising treatments for killer viruses

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