KU community mourns prominent AIDS researcher / LJWorld.com

Lawrence and Douglas county

Doctor dies months before vaccine trials

December 27, 2007

Dr. Opendra "Bill" Narayan died from a heart attack on Christmas Eve, just months before human clinical trials were set to begin for a HIV/AIDS vaccine that he helped create.

"Dr. Narayan was a brilliant researcher and professor," KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway said in a statement. "His pioneering work on HIV/AIDS brought international acclaim to himself and the university."

The 71-year-old Kansas University Medical Center doctor was the recipient of the Chancellors Club Research Award in 2003.

Narayan, who came to KU in 1993, was responsible for three grants from the National Institutes of Health that totaled more than $16 million over five years. Paul Terranova, vice chancellor for research at KUMC, said Narayan provided endless insights on the replication and actions of the HIV virus.

Terranova said that Narayan was one of the rare faculty members who was "a triple threat" because he excelled as a researcher, as an educator and in service to the university and the nation.

"From day one, he was a star," Terranova said. "He always held a very well-recognized research program."

Narayan came to KUMC from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and almost immediately began developing vaccines he hoped would help stem the AIDS epidemic. He had other vaccines advance into trials unsuccessfully; however, it never dissuaded him from trying a new approach.

"He was a leader and innovative person; that's why he was quite successful," Terranova said. "He was an extremely hard worker. We'll have to plan ahead to determine a course of action with his research."

Terranova said that the university will consult with NIH and Narayan's co-researchers to determine whether it's possible to continue the research on an HIV/AIDS vaccine.

"His major accomplishment, at least as of late, is the vaccine he developed," Terranova said. "He hoped to have it in human clinical trials within the next few months."

Top ads RSS

Top jobs · Top rentals · Top transportation

Marketplace

Milton's 785-832-2330

Find more businesses on Marketplace

Arts & Entertainment · Bars · Theatres · Restaurants · Coffeehouses · Libraries · Antiques · Services

‘Tea party’ is Palin’s people February 7, 2010 · 222 comments
Proposed constitutional amendment to block federal health care reform considered February 9, 2010 · 45 comments
Tehran moves closer to warhead capacity February 9, 2010 · 42 comments
Kansas Legislature considers poverty waivers for those looking to get married, but unable to pay fees February 9, 2010 · 33 comments
Poll: Paper, plastic or, no thanks, I brought my own tote bag? February 8, 2010 · 47 comments
The only choice February 9, 2010 · 53 comments
Rep. John Murtha, Iraq war critic, dies at 77 February 9, 2010 · 89 comments
Blog: Though It May Be Hard To Believe, Severe Weather Season Is Around The Corner February 9, 2010 · 12 comments
Bill would allow big-cat hunting February 9, 2010 · 71 comments
KU employee suspected of charging personal items on university credit card February 9, 2010 · 22 comments

Under her wing: Parent writes book on developmental disabilities February 8, 2010
Aldrich’s father gets to ‘live a dream’ — in Lawrence February 9, 2010
KU communication studies professor is a finalist for MU post February 9, 2010
Eudora man hospitalized after head-on crash into tree February 9, 2010
Chancellor Gray-Little supports schools February 9, 2010
KU employee suspected of charging personal items on university credit card February 9, 2010
HealthGrades releases list of hospitals with lower mortality, complication rates February 9, 2010
Jayhawks knock off Longhorns to get first win in Austin under Bill Self February 9, 2010
Open house to discuss Highway 56 moved to Baldwin City school February 9, 2010
KDHE orders salvage yard to change practices February 9, 2010

LJWorld.com

Lawrence and Douglas County

Lawrence and Douglas county