HIV Vaccine Trials To Begin In November

Several groups of scientists have already attempted to create a vaccine against HIV.

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The HIV vaccine trial, which will start in South Africa in November and will last for three years, will involve 5,400 people. The incidence in South Africa is very high - in 2014, about 2.4 million people were infected with the virus. Taking antiretroviral drugs helps patients keep the virus under control, but such drugs are not available to everyone, which is why HIV infection can lead to AIDS and death.

Various groups of scientists have attempted to create an HIV vaccine. Researchers from Thailand demonstrated in 2009 that vaccination is indeed possible, although in their studies it was only 31% effective. Since then, the vaccine has been modified and is now being tested in South Africa. Now the vaccine contains unique fragments characteristic of viruses widespread in Africa - all this has made it more effective, the developers hope.

In addition, pre-exposure prophylaxis is also becoming more advanced. Drugs for such prophylaxis are prescribed to people at high risk. Their reception can significantly reduce the likelihood of infection. So, for people whose sexual partner is infected with HIV, the risk of infection is practically reduced to zero. Another effective remedy is a vaginal ring that protects against HIV. It contains dapivirin and has already been tested in four African countries. Its use has reduced the likelihood of contracting HIV by almost a third.

Source: New Hope For Patients With HIV? First Drug To Protect Against The Virus Goes To Clinical Trial In South Africa

Treatment for HIV, the virus that causes AIDs, is more effective than we could have imagined, but it's not enough - we need to find a way to stop the virus in its tracks, and ensure that no one else gets infected. This November, researchers will begin a large-scale trial on a vaccine they believe is capable of doing just that.

MedicalDaily