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AIDS Vaccine Fails in Trials

Clinical trials suspended after dismal results for most promising vaccine

By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 22, 2007 8:25 AM CDT

(Newser) – Heavy hopes riding on an HIV vaccine were dashed as the vaccine proved so ineffective in a clinical trial that manufacturer Merck has ended the trial early. The vaccine had shown promise in animal and small-scale human tests but neither prevented nor reduced the severity of infection in a large-scale trial, the New York Times reports.

Scientists said the failure confirms the view that HIV is unlike other infections. Following the failure of an earlier conventional vaccine—one that stimulates the body to produce antibodies—this vaccine was designed to stimulate T-cells, a different component of the immune system. About 30 other AIDS vaccines are currently being tested.

AIDS patient Maximilliano Rosales uses a flashlight to illuminate small image of Christ, which he says gives him strength to fight his disease, at a private refuge for AIDS patients in San Jose, Tuesday, June 26, 2007.  A new campaign for the prevention of AIDS and patient's rights was launched...
AIDS patient Maximilliano Rosales uses a flashlight to illuminate small image of Christ, which he says gives him strength to fight his disease, at a private refuge for AIDS patients in San Jose, Tuesday,...   (Associated Press)
A supporter of Delhi Network of Positive People, DNP , gestures during a demonstration in New Delhi, India, Thursday, April 26, 2007. DNP  and Lawyers Collective HIV/AIDS Unit demonstrated their support for the Thailand government's move to increase patients' access to essential medicines by issuing compulsory licenses for patented AIDS drugs....
A supporter of Delhi Network of Positive People, DNP , gestures during a demonstration in New Delhi, India, Thursday, April 26, 2007. DNP and Lawyers Collective HIV/AIDS Unit demonstrated their support...   (Associated Press)
Indian HIV positive patient Sukdev Naskar (C) holds a torch as...
Indian HIV positive patient Sukdev Naskar (C) holds a torch as...   (Getty Images)
A nun walks inside an area for HIV/AIDS patients after the visit of Former U.S. President Bill Clinton to the Robert Reid Cabral hospital in Santo Domingo, Tuesday, July 17, 2007. Clinton's foundation recently received a US$1.25 million grant to help fight HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean, which has...
A nun walks inside an area for HIV/AIDS patients after the visit of Former U.S. President Bill Clinton to the Robert Reid Cabral hospital in Santo Domingo, Tuesday, July 17, 2007. Clinton's foundation...   (Associated Press)
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