Daria Hazuda

Daria Hazuda is a renowned scientist and researcher in the field of virology and pharmacology. She is best known for her significant contributions to the development of antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS.

Early Life and Education

Daria Hazuda was born and raised in the United States. She pursued her undergraduate studies in biology and later earned her Ph.D. in microbiology and molecular genetics.

Career

Hazuda began her career as a researcher at Merck & Co., a leading global biopharmaceutical company. She served as the Vice President and Franchise Head of Infectious Diseases Discovery at Merck Research Laboratories. Her work primarily focused on the discovery and development of novel antiviral agents, particularly for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C.

Contributions to HIV/AIDS Research

Hazuda played a pivotal role in the development of the first integrase inhibitor for HIV treatment, known as raltegravir. This drug has revolutionized the treatment of HIV/AIDS, offering patients a new line of defense against the virus. Her work in this area has significantly advanced our understanding of HIV integrase, a key enzyme in the HIV replication cycle.

Awards and Recognition

In recognition of her contributions to the field of virology and pharmacology, Hazuda has received numerous awards and honors. These include the Pharmacia-ASPET Award for Experimental Therapeutics and the Distinguished Scientist Award from the Hepatitis B Foundation.

See Also

• Antiretroviral therapy
• HIV/AIDS
• Merck & Co.

External Links

• Merck & Co. Official Website