Anti-HIV vaccine, a challenging search

On September 24, a vaccine showed the effectiveness of HIV prevention, the announcement was made in Thailand to bring hope to many people. Accordingly, this combined anti-HIV vaccine reached 31% of the level of protection in the trial with 16,000 heterosexuals aged 18-30 years.

But, at a re-examination of the anti-HIV vaccine in Thailand, it was then concluded that it did not really show signs of protection. Scientists' suspicion is growing even though this finding has many medical implications.

HIV virus

The new data published at a meeting in Paris indicates that on a small scale, these findings are strong and statistically significant.

However, scientists say they do not understand what is causing the effect, and it seems to protect against the most dangerous risks.

Despite this flaw, Colonel Nelson Michael from the US HIV research program still believes it to be the right step. He said: 'Now, after 26 years of trying, believe that we can follow that path with the strong belief that we can develop a vaccine that works globally.'

He added: 'It is important for people to understand that this is scientific progress, scientific breakthrough. Now, after 26 years of trying, believe that we can follow that path with the strong belief that we can develop a vaccine that works globally. '

A lot of doubts are in place

After the initial joy when the research results were published from Thailand, scientists are beginning to doubt and worry that the protective effect of this vaccine is very small.

Of the 8,000 people who received the vaccine, 51 were infected.

Among those who received placebo (placebo), 74 were infected.

However, the experimental donor, the US military and the Thai government said 31.2% of the impact protection has been statistically true and meaningful.

But many scientists and experts seem to suspect that data has not been dominated by rigorous testing by other scientists.

Many questions are raised

After those doubts, the re-examination was done. And it shows that the original finding is correct, but there are more questions than answers.

' These results are an incredible opportunity for scientists to explore new clues about HIV and learn how HIV vaccines can work in practice .' Deborah Jack from National Aids Trust said.

Scientists believe their conclusions are based on an analysis of the entire population of the study, excluding only seven people who were found to be infected during the first day of the trial. Researchers say this is the best way for the study.

They also published details of two other analyzes of the trial, excluding those who did not use all of the drugs.

Both have shown that the effect is not statistically significant.

Among the scientists who participated in the meeting, there was a real sense of suspense about discovery.

Dr. Nicola Frahm, Director of the HIV Vaccines trials network in Seattle, Washington said: ' Oh God, it's amazing !'

'This is hope, there are vaccines, very weak signals, but this is the first time that there is hope for the HIV vaccine, for the community, it's a great day.'

'The real question is how is its medical significance?'

'The meaning gained in this experiment is 5% this is luck'.

'So we are sure 95% of what we are considering is real and cannot lose completely the opportunity. This is great'

Do not use in Africa

Researchers point out that the vaccine will not be used in Africa, where the HIV infection rate is highest.

They say that a commercial product is a long way for many years, prevention and education is considered the best way to combat infection in the medium term.

Colonel Jerome Kim is an HIV vaccine manager for the US military, saying: ' We have something that protects one-third of people infected with the virus in Thailand. It is not a globally effective vaccine, it cannot be used outside Thailand. Until we answer the scientific questions about the idea of ​​using this vaccine in other parts of the world or testing it, it's science, not public health . '

Deborah Jack, CEO of NAT (National Aids Trust) said: 'The Thai experiment is an important milestone in the search for vaccines against HIV.'

' These results are an incredible opportunity for scientists to explore new clues about HIV and learn how an anti-HIV vaccine can work in practice .'