Advancements in Vaccine Trials: HIV and Universal Flu Vaccines Take Center Stage

A Phase 1 clinical trial of a preventive HIV vaccine candidate called VIR-1388 has begun enrollment in the United States and South Africa. The vaccine, which uses a cytomegalovirus (CMV) vector, aims to instruct the immune system to produce T cells that can recognize HIV and prevent chronic infection. The trial, sponsored by Vir Biotechnology and conducted through the NIAID-funded HIV Vaccine Trials Network, will enroll 95 HIV-negative participants and evaluate the vaccine's safety and ability to induce an HIV-specific immune response. Initial results are expected in late 2024.