AEGiS-AP: AIDS vaccine volunteers to be told whether they received placebo

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

AIDS vaccine volunteers to be told whether they received placebo

Associated Press - November 13, 2007

SEATTLE - Researchers who ran a test of an AIDS vaccine that failed to work have decided to tell volunteers whether they received the vaccine or a placebo.

After what they call the "unblinding," researchers will continue to offer risk-reduction counseling to the 3,000 volunteers.

The vaccine was made by Merck. The study was directed by the HIV Vaccine Trials Network at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.

Merck stopped the study in September because the virus didn't work. The company released data last week showing that volunteers who received the experimental vaccine were more likely to get infected with the virus than those who received an inactive substance.

Mostly homosexual men and female sex workers volunteered for the blind test. All were warned to protect themselves from AIDS exposure.

071113
AP071121

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2007. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2007. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .