Cold War Triangle - by Renilde Loeckx (Paperback)

About the Book

A small group of scientists were doggedly working in the field of antiviral treatments when the AIDS epidemic struck. Faced with one of the grand challenges of modern biology of the twentieth century, scientists worked across the political divide of the Cold War to produce a new class of antivirals. Their molecules were developed by a...

Book Synopsis

A small group of scientists were doggedly working in the field of antiviral treatments when the AIDS epidemic struck. Faced with one of the grand challenges of modern biology of the twentieth century, scientists worked across the political divide of the Cold War to produce a new class of antivirals. Their molecules were developed by a Californian start-up together with teams of scientists at the Rega Institute of KU Leuven and the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB) of the Academy of Sciences in Prague. These molecules became the cornerstone of the blockbuster drugs now used to combat and prevent HIV. Cold War Triangle gives an insight into the human face of science as it recounts the extraordinary story of scientists in East and West who overcame ideological barriers and worked together for the benefit of humanity.

Review Quotes

Accolade from a scientist-entrepreneur
"As a scientist in the seventies I had first hand experience on the hurdles of crossing political borders in advancing human knowledge. The book captures not only this intriguing story of scientists and entrepreneurs, but also evokes the quest for a deeper understanding of microbiology." Dr. Jos B. Peeters. CEO Capricorn Venture Partners.

Enthusiastic Endorsement from NATO's Secretary General"I found the book explosively fascinating. The way it takes us through the labyrinth of Cold War virus research was riveting. It was like some real-life thriller as each discovery is made and each breakthrough announced."
Lord Robertson, Former British Defense Minister and Secretary General of NATO (1999- 2004)

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Glowing remarks from a science writer"Your book was on top of my summer reading pile and yes, it is great! It reads like a detective novel and I am amazed how much science I learned from it, having both an MD and a PhD degree in chemistry. Also, all the familiar names, Brachet, de Duve, Van Montagu...It was a real treat to be reminded of such fascinating scientists that I had met. Like a trip back in time when I accompanied Donny on meetings all over the world. Thanks a lot for such a great work!"Eliane Strosberg, MD, PhD in Chemistry, Author of "ART and SCIENCE" and "The Human Figure and Jewish Culture"

High praise from a Nobel laureate
"I got to know a number of the scientists mentioned in the book and have read it with great interest. It gives an excellent account of an unfolding story of scientific, political and social interest. "
Prof. Jean-Marie Lehn. University of Strasbourg, France. Nobel Laureate in Chemistry.

Rave review from Belgium's former Minister of Foreign Affairs and EU Trade Commissioner"Ambassador Loeckx tells with passion and vigor
the story of one of the great breakthroughs in medicine: the containment of HIV
that has saved millions of lives. It's also a great story about the very nature
of humanity: how cooperation among great minds from different horizons and
disciplines transcended the Wall that once divided Europe."Karel De Gucht served as European
Commissioner for Trade from 2010 to 2014 after being European Commissioner for
International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response. He was Belgium's Minister of Foreign Affairs
from 2004 to 2009.

'Cold War Triangle' provides an insightful description about some of the most important medical discoveries in recent history. It is a story of substance, and one that sheds light on the complexity of scientific discovery in an ever-changing political environment.David Kinkela, Diplomatic History, Volume 43, Issue 3, June 2019, Pages 592-594, https: //doi.org/10.1093/dh/dhy100

The book tells a fascinating story and gives a glimpse into the making of scientific discoveries, the rush for patents in research, and collaborative work during hostile political situations. It is mostly an enjoyable read, albeit skewed towards Western protagonists, and will surely enrich our understanding of the multitude of actors involved in HIV research and global scientific production.Dora Vargha, H-Diplo, H-Net Reviews. February, 2019, http: //www.h-net.org/reviews/showrev.php?id=53143

Wenngleich sich die Autorin einer interessanten, der breiten Öffentlichkeit vermutlich unbekannten Personenkonstellation und deren pharmazeutischen Errungenschaften zuwendet, erscheint ihre Publikation aus geschichtswissenschaftlicher Sicht kritikwürdig.

Henning Tümmers, Historische Zeitschrift // BAND 313 / 2021, DOI 10.1515/hzhz-2021-1450

About the Author

Renilde Loeckx is member of the EORTC Cancer Research Fund and former Ambassador of Belgium.