Berlin -
German scientists Monday announced the beginning of human trial on a new HIV vaccine.
Known as tgAAC09, the vaccine targets HIV subtype C, prevalent in South Africa, India and China, and responsible for a large part of the world's HIV infections. The vaccine was developed by Seattle-based Targeted Genetics Corp. and the Columbus Children's Research Institute.
The yearlong test program will involve up to 50 volunteers at clinics in Bonn and Hamburg, and at 2 hospitals in Belgium said project leader Jan van Lunzen.
The first-phase testing will determin the vaccine's safety and whether it produces immune responses. If it is successful, the second and third phases of testing would be carried out in developing countries told reporters.
The test program is backed by the New York-based International AIDS Vaccine Initiative which estimates that some 30 HIV vaccine tests already are under way worldwide.
Experts believe a vaccine is the only way to stop the worldwide AIDS epidemic, which has killed 20 million people and infected 40 million more.
©365Gay.com® 2004
Known as tgAAC09, the vaccine targets HIV subtype C, prevalent in South Africa, India and China, and responsible for a large part of the world's HIV infections. The vaccine was developed by Seattle-based Targeted Genetics Corp. and the Columbus Children's Research Institute.
The yearlong test program will involve up to 50 volunteers at clinics in Bonn and Hamburg, and at 2 hospitals in Belgium said project leader Jan van Lunzen.
The first-phase testing will determin the vaccine's safety and whether it produces immune responses. If it is successful, the second and third phases of testing would be carried out in developing countries told reporters.
The test program is backed by the New York-based International AIDS Vaccine Initiative which estimates that some 30 HIV vaccine tests already are under way worldwide.
Experts believe a vaccine is the only way to stop the worldwide AIDS epidemic, which has killed 20 million people and infected 40 million more.
©365Gay.com® 2004
This article originally appeared on 365gay.com. Republished with permission.
