HIV Pandemic Can End with Preventive Vaccines

The end of the Mosaico HIV vaccine trial in January 2023 must lead to a continued drive to innovate and an urgency to ensure that proven HIV prevention and treatment options reach all who need them stated UNAIDS.

Although no safety concerns were flagged during the HPX3002/HVTN706 clinical trial, it was discontinued after an independent review found no evidence of reduced risk of HIV infection among vaccinated participants.

The study evaluated an investigational vaccine regimen containing a mosaic-based adenovirus serotype 26 vector (Ad26.Mos4.HIV) administered during four vaccination visits over one year. In addition, a mix of soluble proteins (Clade C/Mosaic gp140, adjuvanted with aluminum phosphate) was also administered at visits three and four.

“The disappointment of the vaccine trial further underlines the importance of rolling out available HIV treatment and prevention innovations,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima in a press release on January 23, 2023.

“The search for a vaccine must continue, but it’s important to remember that despite this setback, the world can still end AIDS by 2030 by delivering all the proven prevention and treatment options to all the people who need them.

Rapid progress against the HIV pandemic is possible if existing prevention and treatment options are made available by sharing technologies, expanding provision, and tackling barriers to access.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths. 

The U.S. White House National Mpox Response recently noted that approximately 40% of people diagnosed with mpox also had HIV. In 2022, about one million people were vaccinated against Mpox in the USA.

As of February 3, 2023, HIV vaccine candidates continue clinical research studies.