Emory participating in trial to test mRNA HIV vaccine in humans

Emory University is participating in a Phase I clinical trial to evaluate the use of messenger RNA (mRNA) technology in HIV vaccines for the first time in humans. The trial, IAVI G002, was launched earlier this year by IAVI, a nonprofit scientific research organization. Biotechnology company Moderna manufactured the vaccine candidate. The Hope Clinic of Emory Vaccine Center, one of four IAVI G002 sites across the country, is currently recruiting trial participants. Researchers will determine whether HIV immunogens delivered through Moderna’s mRNA technology can induce specific B-cell responses that have the potential to lead to broadly neutralizing antibody development, which is a primary goal of HIV vaccination. The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Fred Hutch) in Seattle, and the University of Texas–Health Science Center at San Antonio are also sites for IAVI G002. Scripps Research and IAVI developed the vaccine candidates with support from...