New HIV Clinical Trial Begins

Erie County Department of Health

In the US and South Africa, people are volunteering for a new HIV vaccine Phase 1 trial. The new vaccine, "VIR-1388", tests safety and kicking off an HIV specific immune response in folks. VIR-1388 is to tell the human immune system to create T cells. These T cells would recognize HIV, prompting an immune response. The trial goal is to prevent HIV from establishing a chronic infection. The NIAID (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) and NIH (the National Institutes of Health) have provided scientific and financial support for years in this HIV vaccine idea and is contributing money for this study. Study participants are randomly put into one of four parts. Three out of four will receive a different dose of the vaccine. One out of four will get a placebo (fake vaccine). Late 2024 is when results are expected from the trial. Then volunteers will be followed for up to three years after their first vaccine dose. Did you know the Erie County Department of Health provides routine checks for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and HIV? We can go over options for treatment here in Erie County and help get you started. Would you like some FREE condoms? We provide free condoms and lubricants to our clients during weekly Sexual Health Clinic appointments on Tuesdays 9am-11am and Wednesdays 1pm-3pm. For more information give us a call at the Erie County Department of Health, 814-451-6700.