HIV VACCINE STUDY NEWS: THE MORNING AFTER


 The Reaction: HIV Community at Odds Over Study Results

The results of the RV144 "prime-boost" HIV vaccine study made a tremendous splash in mainstream news and social media last week. But do the data really hold up to the hype?

Some top HIV/AIDS organizations are urging the world not to jump to conclusions. "[I]t appears that the statistical significance [of the results] hangs on very few cases of HIV infection," said Treatment Action Group, which in a statement urged "caution in interpreting the findings until more detailed information is available."

Other organizations and members of the scientific community responded to the study results enthusiastically. However, none suggested that the study results signify that a fully effective HIV vaccine is right around the corner.


 The Context: More Information on This Study

Still trying to wrap your head around the major findings of this study? Visit TheBody.com's RV144 page for a range of articles and reactions on the RV144 trial and its results, including:

• An overview of the study findings and reactions that includes some lesser-known details about the trial, such as the fact that most of the volunteers were not at high risk for HIV, and that the strain of HIV most common in Thailand is not the one that's most common in Europe and the U.S.


• An in-depth examination of the trial results and their significance, courtesy of a special report from the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative.


• Frequently asked questions about the trial and an outline of basic study information, both from the U.S. Military HIV Research Program, which partly funded the study.


• Statements from the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (which reacted very positively to the findings) and Treatment Action Group (which was much more tempered in its response).