HIV vaccine hopes dashed by trial results
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has terminated a trial for an experimental HIV vaccine in South Africa after concluding that the jab was not effective against the virus.
The HVTN 702 trial involved over 5,000 subjects in South Africa and was a new version of the RV114 clinical trial in Thailand - the first HIV-vaccine shown to provide some protection against the virus.
This particular vaccine had been adapted to the subtype of HIV most prevalent in South Africa, which has one the highest HIV rates in the world.
Researchers expressed their “deep disappointment” with the trial results but added that the search for a preventative HIV vaccine must go on.
Dr Anthony Fauci of the NIH said: “An HIV vaccine is essential to end the global pandemic and we hoped this vaccine candidate would work. Regrettably, it does not”.
He added that, “Research continues on other approaches to a safe and effective HIV vaccine, which I still believe can be achieved”.
HIV treatments are slowly improving, with recent breakthroughs in anti-retroviral drugs having significantly improved the lifespan of those infected with the virus.
Another drug treatment called pre-exposure prophylaxis (Prep) is effective at preventing initial infection but, unlike a vaccine, needs to be taken regularly - even daily- to be effective.
Debbie Laycock, Head of Policy at the Terrence Higgins Trust said: “Through regular testing, condoms, Prep and effective treatment which means people living with HIV can't pass on the virus - we now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to end the HIV epidemic. It's vital we seize this”.
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