New vaccine could turn HIV into ‘minor’ illness

A new HIV vaccine could turn the deadly condition into a ‘minor chronic infection’, scientists claim.

The initial testing of the vaccine, known as MVA-B, has found that 90% of volunteers developed an immune response against the virus, with 85% maintaining immunity for at least a year following the vaccination.

Professor Mariano Esteban, of the Spanish Superior Scientific Research Council (CSIC) in Madrid, said: “MVA-B vaccine has proven to be as powerful as any other vaccine currently being studied, or even more.”

The fundamental elements of the medication are based on a vaccine used to treat smallpox, with the addition of four HIV genes. The shot focused on the human immune system’s ability to ‘learn’ how to react over time against viruses and infections.

Jason Warriner, of the Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “This trial is a step in the right direction, but until we find a vaccine that controls the virus as well as anti-retroviral treatment does, we’re not there yet.”