22 February 2003

AnaiRhoads.org - VaxGen will discuss the results of their AIDS vaccine designed to work with humans this upcoming Monday, February 24th. All data gathered since 1998 will be read through and analysed by VexGen before officially making the announcement public on Monday.

AIDS has affected over 40 million people world-wide and killed a staggering 25 million since it first surfaced. The highest numbers of AIDS cases can be found in Africa, where more than half of the population is infected with the AIDS virus.

The vaccine may show promise against the spread of HIV/AIDS by providing some - if not all - protection against the virus. During the third phase of the study, VexGen immunised two-thirds of a group of 5,400 volunteers. Coined "AIDSVax", the research included 400 women and 5,000 men who were either homosexual or bisexual.

Working with two key proteins, AIDSVax focuses on the gp-120 protein found on the outer layer of the virus. Exposure via the vaccine may help the immune system become more desensitised to anything carrying gp-120.

If this study yeilds positive results, it can revolutionalise the way we handle HIV and AIDS, putting a stop to the spread of the virus. After the announcement on Monday, VexGen then awaits approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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