Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - September 23, 2007
Claire Keeton
Professor Glenda Gray, principal investigator of the trial in South Africa, said this was a "huge disappointment" for everyone in HIV vaccine research.
Some 700 HIV-negative volunteers at high risk of infection who enrolled in the "Phambili" trial in South Africa have received the V 520 vaccine shots this year at five hospitals.
The study in 10 countries, including the US, aimed to test whether the vaccine:
* Prevented HIV infection; and
* Reduced the viral load in those who developed infection.
After reviewing interim data, an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board recommended the trial be stopped as it would not achieve these goals.
The vaccine did no harm and had no negative health effects on the 1500 volunteers.
On Friday the trial sponsors, the US pharmaceutical company Merck and the HIV Vaccine Trials Network, announced they were discontinuing it.
The president of the Southern African HIV Clinicians' Society, Dr Francois Venter, said yesterday: "This is a sad day for HIV prevention research when a technology with this much promise, and intellectual and financial investment, doesn't come through - especially after recent disappointing results from the microbicide and diaphragm studies."
Venter said the fact the trial was stopped "as quickly as possible is testament to good science".
Gray, director of the Wits University's Perinatal HIV Research Unit, added: "The scientific community must continue the race to find a vaccine to help secure an HIV-free generation for the future."
International Aids Vaccine Initiative president Seth Berkley urged scientists and activists in the field not to be discouraged since finding a vaccine was the key to ending the pandemic.
The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases funded the vaccine trial.
070923
ST070913
Copyright © 2007 - The Sunday Times. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Sunday Times Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Roche and Trimeris, 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. .