Human Trials Sought for AIDS Vaccine

An AIDS vaccine candidate -- SAV001-H -- is ready for the first phase of human trials, according to scientists at the University of Western Ontario. The university and Sumagen Co. Ltd., the vaccine's manufacturer, have secured patents for the product in more than 70 nations. Sumagen has submitted an investigational new drug application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sumagen reports the vaccine produced good antibody results in animal models, with no adverse events or safety risks. "The Phase I clinical trials, if approved, will double-check the safety of the vaccine using HIV-positive volunteers," according to the university. "The second stage -- Phase II trials -- would then assess the immunogenicity of the vaccine." UWO Professor Chil-Yong Kang developed the vaccine.

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