1st stage of HIV Vaccine test completed in Russia

PanARMENIAN.Net - The State Research Center for Virology and Biotechnology, Vektor, has successfully completed the first stage of clinical trials of an HIV vaccine, Vektor director Alexander Sergeyev said on Monday, February 6.

The vaccine induces a strong antibody (antigen), as well as cellular response, he said. The vaccine is now to be approved for the second stage of tests.

Vektor previously said it had developed one of the strongest and most advanced vaccines in the world, RIA Novosti reported.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infects cells of the immune system and destroys or impairs their function. Infection results in the progressive deterioration of the immune system, breaking down the body's ability to fend off infections and diseases. AIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome) refers to the most advanced stages of HIV infection.

According to the World Health Organization's 2011 World Health Statistics report, the number of people living with HIV worldwide continues to grow, reaching an estimated 33.3 million people in 2009, with 2.6 million new infections and 1.8 million HIV/AIDS-related deaths recorded in the reporting period.

HIV/AIDS remains one of the world's most significant public health challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Approximately 10 million people worldwide are in need of antiretroviral therapy but have no access to the treatment.