GlaxoSmithKline Uses StereoGraphics' Stereo3D Technology in HIV Protease Inhibitor Research

For years, researchers at GlaxoSmithKline's vast research complex in Research Triangle Park, N.C. have been designing new drugs for the treatment of AIDS. Specifically, Eric Furfine, director of Biomedical & Analytical Pharmacology at GlaxoSmithKline, has been leading the search for new protease inhibitor drugs that can be used in conjunction with other medications. To demonstrate the complexities of one of their drug candidates, Furfine relied on Stereo3DTM technology from StereoGraphics Corporation.

On November 3, 2001, 85 scientists and doctors gathered at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City to view three-dimensional computer generated images of a protease inhibitor drug candidate. Eric Furfine, GSK's protease research project leader, sought to show the investigators conducting the clinical trials the biochemical and structural characteristics of the HIV protease inhibitor as it bound to wild-type (WT) and drug-resistant HIV protease.

HIV protease inhibitors are critical in the fight against AIDS as they work by blocking a part of HIV called protease. When protease is blocked, the viral particles formed are "immature" and cannot infect new cells. As a result, the amount of HIV virus in the blood may be decreased.

Furfine presented and explained, at the molecular level, why and how the protease inhibitor binds to the HIV protease, thus inhibiting new cell growth. He explained that the objectives are to research protease inhibitor options with reduced pill burden and offer improved or unique resistance profiles from other inhibitors currently available.

Visualizing Better in Stereo3D

To accurately depict the sophisticated interactions occurring, Furfine projected the molecular models in stereoscopic 3D. "Viewing the models in Stereo3D really enables the audience to picture what is going on and to view it better than in a flat, 2D environment, " said Furfine. "By using CrystalEyes, it is easier to explain how these interact with HIV protease and the molecular mechanism of the protease inhibitor. The technology provides true depth perception not found in a 2D environment."

Because of the large audience, Furfine relied on a Stereo3D projection system that included 85 pairs of CrystalEyes®3 active shuttering eyewear, a Mirage 5000 projector and an NT computer.

CrystalEyes® are lightweight, wireless, liquid crystal shutter eyewear that enable users to view and manipulate molecular models steroscopically– essentially recreating the way we naturally see depth through visual cues generated by using both of our eyes to develop an image in three dimensions. An infrared emitter thatconnects to the user's workstation activates CrystalEyes.

In this instance, CrystalEyes enabled Furfine and his audience to see high-definition, stereoscopic 3D images that were incredibly realistic – making it easier for him to demonstrate how a protease inhibitor binds to the HIV protease molecules – with true depth and clarity.