Accelerating the development and future availability of HIV-1 vaccines: why, when, where, and how?

Argues that an HIV-1 vaccine offers the best long-term hope to control the AIDS pandemic, especially in less-developed countries, and that to ensure its future availability, research efforts need to be increased today, including clinical trials. Initial results of the first efficacy trials will be available in the next 2-3 years, and it is important to start planning how new vaccines should be used if found to be effective. Calls for the development of financial mechanisms as an incentive to industry and to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines in less-developed countries. (Original abstract - amended)