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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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AIDS Vaccine Data Overstated

Much-hyped Thai results statistically insignificant, researchers say

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(Newser) – The data from last month’s much-hyped Thai AIDS vaccine trial are actually statistically insignificant, according to a secondary analysis published today in the New England Journal of Medicine. The original results from the trial, which included more than 16,000 people, concluded that the vaccine reduced infections by a statistically significant 31%. But the secondary analysis said it reduced infections only 26%, which could have happened by mere chance.

“The results are weak enough that we need to be very careful about assigning too much optimism to them,” said one UCLA immunologist. “It seems not so likely that the vaccine really did what it was intended to do.” The trial had combined two vaccines that had both proven ineffective previously. But one researcher said that the results could still be mined for information “of potentially great importance to the field.”

A Thai Buddhist monk talks to an AIDS/HIV patient at Wat Phrabatnampo AIDS hospice in Lopburi province, Thailand, Friday Sept. 25, 2009.
A Thai Buddhist monk talks to an AIDS/HIV patient at Wat Phrabatnampo AIDS hospice in Lopburi province, Thailand, Friday Sept. 25, 2009.   (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
A Thai technician works on blood samples of volunteers at a lab at the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences in Bangkok, Thailand Friday, Sept. 25, 2009.
A Thai technician works on blood samples of volunteers at a lab at the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences in Bangkok, Thailand Friday, Sept. 25, 2009.   (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong)
A researcher tests a vaccine combination in the Thai phase III HIV Vaccine Trial, also known as RV 144 in this undated file photo.
A researcher tests a vaccine combination in the Thai phase III HIV Vaccine Trial, also known as RV 144 in this undated file photo.   (AP Photo/MHRP)
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11 comments
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Jayster999
Oct 20, 09 2:41 PM CDT
Hmmm. Not as effective as people have been led to believe, yet we're supposed to rush right out and get one. Thanks, but no thanks. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
kyleleitch
Oct 20, 09 3:33 PM CDT
You're kindof a moron... They weren't EVER suggesting that people 'rush right out and get their...' what was this vaccine for? AIDS! not the flu.
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IN RESPONSE:
Netstorm2k9
Oct 20, 09 3:40 PM CDT
Jay was pointing out the comparison between hyped results and Big Pharma greed, ala the H1N1 scare. I always get a kick out the people too dumb to understand Jay, who nonetheless have to show us their ignorance by slamming him. Oh well, you'll all be Libertarians on your death beds.
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JimW
Oct 20, 09 3:14 PM CDT
Must be nearly impossible to come up with a vaccine that works against a shifting anti-gen , and I doubt they ever will. Bottom line is be careful. Reply
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+2
hybrid
Oct 20, 09 3:33 PM CDT
kind of like health care reform.....first you think great this perfect,,then it appears that the whole thing is a disaster Reply
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