When the swine flu pandemic spread across the world last year, it was the clinical virology department at UCLH which played a fundamental role in the rapid development of tests to detect the virus and identify drug-resistant strains.
For many years, Deenan’s main research interest has been the use of anti-viral drugs to combat HIV. The once killer disease can now be treated with a range of drugs which can significantly prolong the lives of those infected.
However these dramatic advances have come at a cost: the virus has evolved to become resistant to certain drugs. Deenan uses complex methods of gene sequencing to detect how this happens to make sure patients get the most appropriate treatment.
In collaboration with the Medical Research Council, Deenan (pictured right) and his team have built up a picture across the UK of how drug-resistant strains of the HIV virus are being transmitted. Through major EU funding, he has now extended this to a European-wide network.
He said: "From the work we have done, the national guidelines have changed for monitoring HIV infection in order for the correct treatment to be given right from the beginning and tailored to the patient.
"HIV drugs cost between £10,000 and £15,000 a year for each patient and it means that the patient outcome is improved and money is not wasted on giving ineffective, expensive treatments."