Chiron launches HIV vaccine trial

Biotechnology company Chiron announced the launch Thursday of human clinical trials of its two-part experimental HIV vaccine, the Los Angeles Times reports. Participants in the trials will first receive a DNA-based vaccine containing two key HIV proteins to prime the immune system into recognizing the invading virus and a booster shot aimed at further stimulating an immune response. An initial two-year safety trial will involve 168 HIV-negative volunteers in St. Louis, Seattle, and Nashville. Additional efficacy tests will be conducted after the safety study.