AIDSVAX
Dateline: 03/11/99
Phase III trials are set to begin this week in San Francisco for a new AIDS vaccine dubbed AIDSVAX, developed by a company named VaxGen. The vaccine is produced through genetic engineering and is not a derivative of the HIV virus. AIDSVAX "trains" the body to protect itself by recognizing certain characteristics of the outer coating of the virus.
Theoretically this vaccine would prevent the spread of the virus through the body; however, it is not presently known if it will effectively prevent the spread of HIV.
The vaccine contains a synthetic version of a protein called gp120, found on the outer covering of the HIV virus. Recipients of the vaccine will produce antibodies to the gp120 protein. Researchers hope that these same antibodies will work on the "live" virus, thus preventing the spread of the virus to the body's cells.
The study will be double-blind. Neither the researchers nor the volunteers will know which participants will receive the vaccine and which will receive a placebo.
Volunteers must be HIV negative and have a higher than normal risk for contracting HIV through sex. The researchers will carefully screen the volunteers to select individuals who have a higher risk of contracting HIV as opposed to people who will use the vaccine as "a protection" against very risky behavior.
Earlier parts of this ongoing study have tested the safety of the vaccine in humans and whether or not any adverse reactions could occur while using the vaccine.
What do you think? Given the risks involved, would you participate in this study? Do you think that this trial will ultimately be successful? Come over to the Biology Forum and share your thoughts, opinions, and feelings. 'Til next time...
For related information, see:
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