Back in 1984, Robert Gallo, M.D., a biomedical researcher, discovered that acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Gallo has since helped develop a vaccine that is intended to cure AIDS and, in the 15 years since it was first developed, it is now poised to undergo its first human trial. Gallo is launching this clinical test in his role as the director of the Institute of Human Virology.
In the first phase of this trial, the experimental vaccine, known as "full-length single chain," will be tested on 60 volunteers to determine its safety and immune responses. This testing has previously been conducted on monkeys, with positive results. To read more about the journey that has brought the vaccine to this point, click through to this story at the International Business Times.