Anticipating and Understanding the Results of the Phase III AIDS Vaccine Trial in Thailand
On Thursday, September 24, initial results were released from an AIDS vaccine phase III trial in Thailand, which showed, for the first time, that the risk of HIV infection can be reduced by a vaccine (press coverage and AVAC statement below).
On October 20, at the annual AIDS Vaccine Conference, the investigators for the Thai prime-boost AIDS vaccine trial presented the results of additional data analyses. The presentation coincided with the publication of the results in the New England Journal of Medicine (links below). A webcast of the presentations made in Paris is available at the AIDS Vaccine 2009 webpage.
AVAC has developed a new FAQ document on understanding the Thai trial results and in the coming weeks will release an updated and expanded Understanding the Results of the Thai AIDS Vaccine Trial document that will provide additional information about the plans for further data analysis, community involvement, lessons learned, and questions raised by this important trial.
October 20, 2009
The peer-reviewed Thai trial results have been published and were accompanied by an editorial response by Raphael Dolin:
ALVAC and AIDSVAX to Prevent HIV-1 Infection in Thailand - New England Journal of Medicine, October 20, 2009
HIV Vaccine Trial Results — An Opening for Further Research - New England Journal of Medicine, October 20, 2009
Media coverage, understanding the initial results
Have Faith in an AIDS Vaccine - New York Times, October 18, 2009
An AIDS Vaccine is Now More than a Dream - Huffington Post, October 5, 2009
San Francisco AIDS Foundation biweekly update on HIV/AIDS, podcast - SFAF, October 1, 2009
September 24, 2009
Initial results were released, which showed, for the first time, that it is possible to reduce the risk of HIV infection with a vaccine.
Trial FAQs prepared by the trial sponsor.
Press releases and statements:
AVAC's press release
Press release from the trial sponsor
Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise Hails Significant Results from HIV Vaccine Study in Thailand - The Enterprise
IAVI Statement on Results of Phase III ALVAC-AIDSVAX Trial in Thailand
Civil society calls:
AVAC held a civil society call to discuss the trial and the initial results on Thursday, September 24. This call provided an opportunity for advocates to discuss the results with the researchers and to ask questions about the results and related issues the data may raise.
Click here to listen to a recording of the call (audio/mpeg).
Select media coverage of the initial result:
Cause for Caution on the Results of the ALVAC/AIDSVAX HIV Vaccine Efficacy Trial: More Marginal than "Modest" - TAG, September 25, 2009
An unpopular vaccine study produces surprising result - aidsmap, September 24, 2009
First positive results from an HIV vaccine - IRIN/PlusNews, September 24, 2009
For First Time, AIDS Vaccine Shows Some Success in Trials - New York Times, September 24, 2009
HIV Vaccine Shows Promise for First Time, Study Shows - Bloomberg, September 24, 2009
Massive AIDS Vaccine Study a "Modest" Success - Science Insider, September 24, 2009
Vaccine trial "is the beginning" of a new path of research, says US health chief - aidsmap, September 24, 2009
Anticipating the results
AVAC's recent report, Anticipating the Results of the Phase III AIDS Vaccine Trial in Thailand, was designed to help advocates prepare in advance for the initial announcement. The report is available in English and Thai. This document will be updated in the coming weeks with additional information about the plans for further data analysis, community involvement, lessons learned, and questions raised by this important trial.