Recent advances in AIDS vaccine research and development

There is an urgent need for a prophylactic vaccine to protect individuals from AIDS and to help abate the growing epidemic. In October 1993, the Conference on Advances in AIDS Vaccine Development reviewed the state-of-the-art in vaccine research and confirmed both the progress that has been made and the challenges that remain. Approximately 12 candidate vaccines are now in phase I/II clinical trials. To date, these products appear to be safe and capable of eliciting immune responses in vaccinees. Other vaccine strategies in development include the use of new formulations and the design of vaccine products capable of inducing a mucosal immune response. Progress has also been made in the establishment of domestic and international sites at which efficacy trials can be conducted when appropriate vaccine candidates are identified, and preparatory activities at these sites are ongoing. The possibility that one or more candidates may enter efficacy trials within the next 2 years underscores numerous issues that must be considered in preparation for these trials. These include the importance of ease of vaccine administration and cost, and an array of social, legal, and ethical issues of concern to those individuals who will be asked to participate in efficacy trials. The purpose of this article is to highlight recent advances in vaccine research and development and to define the complex factors that will impact the NIAID's position on advancing candidates into phase III trials.