Volunteers needed for HIV clinical trial with new vaccine

THE HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) wants volunteers for vaccine trials in Mthatha and other parts of the country.

It is part of a study being conducted by HVTN – called HVTN 702.

There are 15 centres across South Africa and 5 400 sexually active and HIV-negative men and women, aged between 18 and 35, are being called on to volunteer. They will be subjected to an HIV test. Principal investigator Dr Lungiswa Mtingi said the Mthatha site at the Gateway Clinic had six staff members who included a pharmacist, lab manager, community liaison officer, project manager and study coordinator.

She said the site was still being prepared for the trials and it was hoped to enrol participants by November.

“HIV is a tricky and cunning virus. It changes form constantly and there are different strains,” Mtingi said.

“There are too many orphans due to HIV and grandparents raising the second generation, because HIV is taking the cream of South Africa’s population.”

The network is hoping to enrol 350 people at the Mthatha site.

“On their website, uhambo.org.za, the organisation says the vaccines used in this study are not made from live HIV, killed HIV, parts taken from HIV, or HIV-infected human cells,” Mtingi said.

“The HIV vaccines being tested are made from synthetic [man-made] copies of HIV. Therefore, the vaccines cannot cause HIV infection or Aids.”

The vaccine is experimental for research purposes and cannot be accessed by members of the public.

This research takes a step further than the RV144 research done in Thailand in 2009, in which more than 8 000 people took part. Results showed the vaccine prevented 31.2% of new HIV infections.

It also revealed that the products used in the RV144 study were able to prevent HIV infection in about one in three people.

Though the results were not enough to license the vaccines, the study provided scientists with the signs and information they needed to develop better vaccines. Participants’ health will be watched. The study aims to establish: ý Whether the vaccines are safe; ý If they will prevent HIV infection; and ý Whether people’s immune systems respond to the study vaccines.

Mtingi said participants would be asked questions about their sexuality.

“Women are encouraged to be on contraceptives because the effects of the vaccine is not yet known on foetuses.

“Participants are advised to practise safe sex while on the study and not assume that they are immune to the virus.”

The people who volunteer will receive five injections over a year.

Results are expected in late 2020.