In a New York Times article,"For First Time, AIDS Vaccine Shows Some Success" written by Donald G. McNeil, scientist have developed a new vaccine that had shown some success towards the prevention of AIDS.
A six year long clinical study had concluded that the this vaccine, known as RV 144, has worked among a small population of people. The study was conducted in Thailand with over 16,000 people. The people that were chosen for the trial were both men and women from the ages of 18 to 30. This group of people was taken from the general population, avoiding intravenous drug users and prostitutes. Half of the volunteers were given six doses of 2 different vaccines while the other half was given placebos.
Everyone was given condoms and taught how to avoid infection, and if anyone did get infected they were promised and guaranteed antiretroviral drugs for life. All participants were tested regularly for three years.
Out of those that were given the placebo, 74 became infected. Out of those that received the vaccines, 51 became infected. The vaccine was 31.2% effective.
Although this is not considered a break through, it is definitely a step towards the right direction. Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is quoted saying, "For more than 20 years now, vaccine trials have essentially been failures." "Now it's like we were groping down an unlit path, and a door has been opened. We can start asking some very important questions."
Here is the link to the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/25/health/research/25aids.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=AIDS&st=cse
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