Some question the validity of HIV vaccine

The exciting results of the HIV vaccine trial in Thailand are being questioned. Although the initial report stated a significant 31% decrease in HIV infection for those that received the vaccine over those that received a placebo, a second analysis (which eliminates those subjects who did not follow the study's strict protocols) may be less optimistic.

According to ScienceInsider, many leading HIV/AIDS researchers are concerned about this discrepancy. A report issued by the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition issued a report[/url] similarly stressed the importance of both analyses.

The complete results are to be released at an international AIDS vaccine conference in Paris later this month. Will they support the initial claim that this is the first ever effective (albeit modestly so) HIV vaccine? Or will they bash the hopes that this initial claim gave HIV/AIDS researchers and the rest of the world?

--Jef Akst, Associate Editor, The Scientist