Researchers at the University of Oxford have announced that they have launched a Phase I trial of a novel mosaic vaccine that targets a “broad range” of HIV variants. The trial will involve HIV-negative adults in the age range of 18 to 65 years of age who are considered to be at low risk of infection.
The 13 participants will receive one dose of the vaccine with a booster dose four weeks later. The vaccine is designed to produce antibodies, generated by B-cells, that will induce the immune system’s T-cells that will target the vulnerable regions of HIV.
The trial is the first in a series for both HIV-negative and HIV-positive individuals. The aim is for prevention in HIV-negative people and for a cure for those with HIV-positive.
The goal is towards the development of a vaccine for HIV-1 and a strategy to end the AIDS epidemic. While the trial is taking place in the United Kingdom, researchers have plans to start similar trials in Europe, Africa, and the United States. Results are expected to be reported in April 2022.