Vaccine Vigil

An Indian experimental HIV vaccine study began a one-year follow-up phase in February after 30 volunteers were given varying doses of a vaccine that aims to prevent infection with HIV subtype C. Similar trials of the vaccine were conducted in Belgium and Germany; data from all three countries' studies will be compiled at the completion of India's follow-up phase. About $682 million is spent on HIV vaccine development worldwide each year, according to the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. IAVI president and CEO Seth Berkley is pushing for a doubling of commitments from governments, businesses, and other agencies to at least $1.2 billion per year.