A new drug out of Canada may offer some hope against the deadly virus.
According to a medical-technology company called Sumagen, in collaboration with Western University of Ontario, has announced that they have successfully tested a vaccine against Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The vaccine has passed Phase 1 trials, though additional trial phases remain before the vaccine can be approved for distribution.
The clinical trial, which evaluated safety, tolerability, and immune responses, was initiated in March 2012 and completed in August 2013. The study of the vaccine, known as SAV001-H, followed intramuscular administration in HIV-infected, asymptomatic men and women, 18 to 50 years of age. The trial studied the vaccine’s effects on volunteers as compared to a placebo group.
After receiving the vaccination, volunteers visited test sites on weeks four, six, 12, 18, 26, and 52 for a general physical examination as well as analysis of clinical chemistry, hematology, and urinalysis. Researchers observed no serious adverse events and also found a surprising boost in antibody production, which may forecast success in Phase 2 trials measuring immune response.
It’s important to remember that this is only one successful trial, so it would be grotesquely premature to announce that AIDS has a cure or even a vaccine, but it is, at least, reason for cautious hope.
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