Activists push for continuity of HIV vaccine research

PrEPVacc researchers have spoken up about the need for HIV vaccine research to continue, following the cessation of the Imbokodo vaccine study in August.

During a virtual media briefing attended by over 35 Kenyan and Ugandan journalists Trial Director of PrEPVacc, Eugene Ruzagira said: “Despite the disappointing results we had in the Imbokodo study, we still need to continue with these trials.”

Dr Ruzagira, also a senior scientist at MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, noted that PrEPVacc is a phase IIB vaccine trial, testing two ways of preventing HIV.

“So, we have a vaccine component and the PrEP component. In the vaccine component, two vaccine regiments are being evaluated. One regimen combines DNA with the protein-based vaccine, and the other combines DNA, MVA, and protein-based vaccine,” he explained.

Dr Ruzagira highlighted that the vaccines being tested in the PrEPVacc study are different from those tested in the Imbokodo study and have different schedules.

Read Uganda Radio Network story of the briefing here – 157 Ugandans Enrolled in Largest HIV Vaccine Trial in Africa

Read Chimp Reports story here – Activists Push for Continuity of HIV Vaccine Research