Later that night, Samantha had a slight fever and was shedding billions of virus particles.

FORBES: Hacking the President's DNA: When Synthetic Biology Meets National Security

The HIV virus reproduces with a cell, then virus particles bud off that cell's surface to infect other cells in the body.

FORBES: Myriad Genetics On HIV Drug Trail

First, he analysed the samples to find their viral load (the number of virus particles per cubic centimetre) and the subtype of virus involved.

ECONOMIST: In one part of Europe, HIV may be getting less virulent

All influenza vaccines are made by growing influenza virus particles in chicken eggs before treating them in a way to kill (inactivate) or weaken the viruses.

CNN: Is there an eggless flu shot?

The first clear hint of targeted therapy's potential came in late 2003, when researchers at the German firm Boehringer Ingelheim reported that its hepatitis C protease inhibitor lowered the quantity of virus particles by roughly 99.9% in eight patients in two days of treatment, beating what interferon can accomplish in that time period.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Novavax's vaccines utilize what are called virus-like particles--genetically engineered molecules designed to train the immune system to recognize a particular virus.

FORBES: Pharmaceuticals