HIV vaccine trial halted due to disappointing outcomes: a final attempt
HIV vaccine trial halts vaccinations as disappointing results prompt an immediate stop to this decade's highly anticipated last attempt in finding a breakthrough
The HIV vaccine trial, described as the "last roll of the dice" for this decade, has halted vaccinations after producing unsatisfactory results. Led by African researchers with the assistance of European scientists, the PrEPVacc prevention study was examining two experimental HIV vaccines in combination with a new form of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
PrEPVaccs leadership announced they have stopped the vaccine component of the trial due to its lack of effectiveness in preventing HIV, despite no safety concerns. However, the oral prep component of the trial is advised to continue. The failure of the experimental vaccines is a significant setback for the medical community, which has faced numerous challenges since the first HIV vaccine trial began 36 years ago.
Despite a dramatic reduction in new HIV infections since its peak in the mid-1990s, recent data from UNAIDS reveals that 39 million people worldwide are living with the infection, with over half being women and girls. In sub-Saharan Africa, young women and girls (15-24) account for 77% of new cases. The medical community has yet to develop a functioning HIV vaccine, and it is unlikely that another such study will take place until the 2030s, as warned by one of the individuals involved in the trial.
In the office building of Heart to Hand Inc. in Largo, Maryland, Dedra Spears Johnson, the executive director and co-founder, showcases a sample of medications used to treat individuals living with HIV. Johnson, a former health professional during the 1990s HIV epidemic near Washington, realized that the needs of Black women were not being adequately addressed in the fight against the disease. Despite the recent approval of highly-effective medications, economic barriers and cultural taboos were preventing many from accessing the treatment they needed. (Photo by Philip VAN SLOOTEN / AFP) (Photo by PHILIP VAN SLOOTEN/AFP via Getty Images)
Philip Van Slooten/AFP/Getty Images
Black Americans still struggle to access PrEP, a medication that could lower HIV rates in the community
The PrEPVacc trial analyzed 1,500 volunteers from Uganda, Tanzania, and South Africa, with 87% of them being women. Pontiano Kaleebu, the Chief Investigator of PrEPVacc, emphasized the need for new vaccine approaches, technology, and leaders based on the study's findings.
"The urgency to develop a vaccine that can prevent HIV in Africa is of utmost importance. Currently, there are no HIV vaccines being tested for effectiveness anywhere in the world," emphasized Kaleebu.
Dr. Eugene Ruzagira, the director of PrEPVacc, also acknowledged the challenges, but remains hopeful that a HIV vaccine will eventually be developed."
"Ruzagira stated that important research such as PrEPVacc is propelling us forward, and participants are eager to join us in making a positive impact on the health of their communities. He also mentioned that the trial has enabled researchers to establish strong relationships with vital communities."
In an earlier interview with CNN, Luwano Geofrey, the first trial participant in Masaka, Uganda, shared that participating in the research required a great deal of courage.
The initial disinformation and social stigmas made things complicated in his community, according to him. Researchers have noted that participants like Geofrey are now deeply appreciated by their communities.
According to the researchers, the full results of the vaccine component of the PrEPVacc trial are due to be published in the summer of 2024.
