Los Angeles group begins HIV vaccine study

The Los Angeles area-based AIDS ReSearch Alliance Of America on Thursday announced the beginning of Phase I human trials of an experimental preventive HIV vaccine. Initial injections of the vaccine were given to the first project volunteer at a press conference held in West Hollywood, Calif. The vaccine aims to create HIV antibodies and other cellular immunity to the virus so that HIV is quickly targeted and destroyed when it enters the body. The Phase I test, which is designed to prove that the vaccine is safe, will last five years. Efficacy tests will follow.