Human Testing For A.i.d.s. Vaccine (Press, 20 August 1987)
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Summary: Human Testing For A.i.d.s. Vaccine (Press, 20 August 1987)
On 20 August 1987, it was reported that the American Government has granted approval for the first human trials of a vaccine aimed at combatting the AIDS virus. This decision was communicated by a spokeswoman from the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The vaccine trials are set to commence at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with a limited number of volunteers, highlighting the urgency and importance of advancing research in this critical area. The FDA's approval followed an application submitted by MicroGenySys Inc., a small biotechnology company based in West Haven, Connecticut, which was established in 1983. The vaccine developed by the company utilises a synthetic version of a protein sourced from the surface of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is known to be the underlying cause of AIDS. Notably, this protein is produced in laboratory settings using a culture derived from the living cells of the alfalfa looper, a type of grass-eating caterpillar. MicroGenySys Inc. reported that animals involved in laboratory tests exhibited strong immune responses by developing significant levels of antibodies to HIV following vaccination. Antibodies are crucial as they form part of the body’s defence mechanism against pathogens. Despite these optimistic developments, experts in the field of AIDS cautioned that even if the vaccine demonstrates effectiveness, it could take several years before it becomes accessible to the general population. This acknowledgment reflects the lengthy and complex process involved in vaccine development and testing, as well as the need for extensive clinical evaluation to ensure safety and efficacy in humans.
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