Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - January 17, 2001
Aphaluck Bhatiasevi
The spat between researchers in the HIV-1 Immunogen therapeutic vaccine trial and evaluators on the National Aids Commission could disrupt work on the vaccine marketed as Remune.
Rector Pornchai Matangkhasombat said an inquiry is necessary because some of those involved in the conflict belong to the university.
The researchers and evaluators involved will be questioned, and findings will be made public in about a month, said Prof Pornchai.
The university's moves follows a petition to Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai from Dr Vina Churdboonchart, of Trinity Medical Group, demanding removal of three members of a 10-strong sub-committee evaluating the Aids vaccine trial.
She said they tried to undermine her work and did so because they are involved in their own vaccine research. Dr Vina was the lead researcher in the trial of the vaccine.
She cited conflict of interest in the refusal of the three to approve her proposal to further study the vaccine among 10,000 volunteers.
She wanted the removal of Dr Prasert Thongcharoen, Dr Ruangpeung Sutthane and Dr Praphan Phanupak, who are believed to be involved in their own vaccine research, to ensure the neutrality of the panel.
Dr Vina also asked the prime minister to examine the qualifications and conduct of seven other members of the evaluation panel, saying some of them had never conducted trials on humans nor had their work published in internationally-recognised medical journals.
Meanwhile, Dr Viput Poolcharoen, one of the evaluators, said "the vaccine trial was considered on the basis of the scientific evidence available and not the investments made".
He added HIV/Aids patients should not be misinformed that the candidate vaccine known commercially as Remune was effective while its trial was still pending.
Dr Viput said a special meeting called by Public Health Minister Korn Dabbaransi to give the trial another chance was also pointless because the evaluation panel had already made its decision.
The Remune vaccine, developed by the US-based Immune Response Corporation, had undergone Phase I safety and Phase II immunogenicity trials in Thailand.
However, due to uninformed change in statistical analysis of the results obtained in the second phase and observation of insignificant progress among candidates given the vaccine, the evaluation panel decided to call for a repeat of the Phase II trial.
Dr Vina insisted she was on the right track, and that it was not necessary to repeat the Phase II trial.
"If the vaccine is not good enough, why would researchers from institutions like Songkhla University, Chiang Mai University, Khon Kaen University, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Phra Mongkut hospital join the team," she said.
Dr Vina said she had resigned as the principal investigator. Her replacement is Dr Viraphol Chandiying of Prince of Songkhla University.
010117
BP010107
Copyright © 2001 - The Bangkok Post. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Bangkok Post.
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, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. 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, 2001. 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. .