A researcher at South Africa’s (SA) University of the Witwatersrand, Professor Glenda Gray, together with her team, has announced a significant breakthrough in HIV research.
The BRILLIANT 011 study, launched at the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation site at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, has enrolled its first group of 20 HIV-negative volunteers in a groundbreaking vaccine trial.
The study is a first-in-human clinical trial testing a novel HIV vaccine candidate designed specifically to target strains of the virus prevalent in Africa. Researchers say the vaccine aims to stimulate the body to produce broadly neutralising antibodies that can prevent infection and help control the virus.
Professor Gray explains that the trial is exploring the vaccine’s potential both as a preventative measure and as a possible contributor to long-term HIV treatment strategies.
“So we’re trying to do two things. But in both people living with HIV and people not living with HIV, we’re trying to induce these broadly neutralising antibodies that will contain and neutralise the virus. And so once we see that this vaccine works, we want both prevention, that’s very important for us because we do need to stop HIV acquisition. But at the same time, if we can contribute to a cure, it’ll help us alleviate the long-term management of people who have to use Limpopo health system hampers rollout of ARV treatment. Antiretroviral for the rest of their lives,” said Gray.
Researchers say the trial marks an important milestone in the global search for an effective HIV vaccine, particularly for regions hardest hit by the epidemic, including SA.
–ChannelAfrica-
