Authors' objectives:

The aim of this study was to summarize the available information on the use of vaccines (ALVAC vCP1521 and AIDSVAX B/E, manufactured by sanofi pasteur and VaxGen, Inc. respectively) to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or, if infection has occurred, to control the spread of the virus to other cells, delaying progression to AIDS.

Authors' recommendations: Many researchers argue that the combination of ALVAC-HIV and AIDSVAX will not provide protection against HIV, based on earlier trials of the individual components. They claim that prior studies showed poor immunogenicity and no protective efficacy against HIV when the vaccines were given separately, and that the phase II results of the combination therapy were inadequate to justify a large trial. For these reasons, a similar phase III trial to be conducted in the US was cancelled by the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Proponents of study RV144 (jointly initiated by the US and Royal Thai governments on September 29, 2003, and set to recruit HIV-negative Thai adults to be monitored for three and a half years) argue that the combination of ALVAC-HIV and AIDSVAX induced better cellular and humoral responses than either component alone, warranting further investigation. Based on the complexity of HIV and the pace of progress, it is plausible that the prime-boost combination may not provide immune protection against HIV. It is agreed that regardless of the study outcome, the information gained will advance HIV vaccine development. A limitation of any HIV vaccine trial is the potential length of time required to declare that the vaccine is effective (i.e., prevents AIDS).

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.ccohta.ca/

Year Published: 2006

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553, Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA)