New Vaccine Trial Conducted By NIH Begins Recruiting Volunteers
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial called HVTN 505. The study examines whether a particular two-part vaccine treatment can decrease the amount of virus in the body (viral load) in participants who later contract HIV. HIV-infected individuals with a lower viral load are more likely to remain healthier longer and less likely to spread the virus to other individuals.
The purpose of the study is to answer scientific questions that could lead to discovery and development of new HIV vaccine regimes; it is not an attempt to obtain approval for a particular vaccine.
HVTN 505 employs two different vaccines in a method where one vaccine is used to initiate the immune system, while the other vaccine is used to enhance the immune response. This method is effective because it allows for different immune responses compared to regimens where only one type of vaccine is given.
According to a NIAID Bulletin, the specific vaccine regimen is a four shot vaccine regime over the course of eight weeks using adenovirus type 5 (Ad5). Ad5 is a common virus that causes colds; however, for the purpose of this study, it has been inhibited to prevent colds or other respiratory infections.
Neither of the vaccines contains HIV and neither can infect participants with HIV. Both of the vaccines have been determined safe when tested in animals and in other individuals in earlier clinical trials.
HVTN 505 is currently being conducted in twelve U.S. cities and is planning to enroll 1,350 HIV-negative men between 18-45 years of age who are involved in sexual activities with other men. Additionally, participants must be circumcised and without Ad5 antibodies before the trial.
For more information, please see NIAID’s Bulletin, NIAID’s Q & A, or the clinical trial study listing.
Related Articles:
- First HIV Vaccine That Helps Prevent Infection Is Announced
- Study Finds Routine Vaccinations Are Safe For Successfully Treated HIV Patients
- HIV-Infected Adults Sought For Swine Flu Vaccine Trial
- New Clinical Trials Will Test H1N1 Vaccine In HIV-Positive Children And Pregnant Women
- New HIV Therapeutic Vaccine Provides Positive Results In Initial Clinical Trials
Leave a comment