Anyone who still doubts that HIV is just a numbers game, like a
lottery, might find this interesting.

<http://google-sina.com/2008/01/21/fda-approves-new-hiv-drug-after-priority-revie
w-hiv-aids/>:

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FDA approved etravirine tablets for the treatment of HIV infection in
adults who have failed treatment with other antiretrovirals.

Etravirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)
that helps to block an enzyme which HIV needs to multiply. The drug
was approved to be used in combination with other anti-HIV
medications. Sold under the trade name Intelence, etravirine received
a priority review by the FDA.

Development of etravirine was triggered by the observations of in
vitro anti-HIV activity of etravirine against mutant, NNRTI-resistant
HIV strains.

"This is another significant new product for many HIV-infected
patients who are NNRTI –resistant and whose infections are not
responding to currently available medications," said Debra B.
Birnkrant, M.D., director of the FDA’s Division of Antiviral Products.

When used with other active anti-HIV medicines and when taken as
prescribed, etravirine reduces the amount of HIV in the blood and
increases white blood cells that help fight off other infections. In
addition, etravirine may reduce the risk of death or infections that
can occur with a weakened immune system.

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Note the cautious last sentence: "Etravirine *may* reduce the risk of
death or infections."