Clinical trials for AIDS vaccine candidate by year-end

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Clinical trials for Aids vaccine candidate by year-end

SIDDHARTHA D. KASHYAP

TIMES NEWS NETWORK [ WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2004 04:16:54 PM ]

PUNE: Continuing with the multi-vaccine approach, a senior official of

the national Aids Control organisation (Naco) has confirmed completion

of toxicological evaluation for a recombinant adeno-associated virus

vaccine (AAV), hinting at the possibility of the vaccine candidate

undergoing phase I clinical trials by the last quarter of 2004,

preceding the Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) clinical trials.

Although Dr SY Quraishi, the project director of Naco was unavailable

for comment, the senior official said the national advisory board

constituted for development and trials of the vacci ne candidates is

currently evaluating the possibility of the toxicological studies of

the adeno-associated virus candidate.

While the modified vaccinia ankara (MVA) vaccine candidate, derived

from the indigenous HIV sub-type C is still undergoing toxicological

evaluation, the official said the Indian council of medical research

(ICMR) is also examining another adeno-associated vaccine construct,

which gives long lasting immune responses.

" Consultations are on for evaluation and use, in collaboration with

the US-based National Institute of Health (NIH), " the official said.

While this multi-vaccine approach was initiated in accordance to the

recommendations made by the president, APJ Abdul Kalam to a scientific

group late last year, sources in the Naco said simultaneous efforts

are underway try other new vaccine including the Seniliki Forest Virus

(SFV).

In May this year, the International Aids Vaccine Initiative-National

Aids Research Institute (Iavi-Nari) had also hinted at the possibility

of other vaccine candidates, with specific subtype C strain, preceding

MVA on clinical trials in India.

Iavi is currently working in close tandem with the Indian government

of India to develop the vaccine for the specific subtype C strain,

appropriate for use in India.

Phase I clinical trials for MVA, which was earlier scheduled for the

first quarter of 2004, was readjusted till completion of toxicological

evaluation of the subtype C vaccine candidate.

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