A team of researchers have recently begun a study with regards to a vaccine that is believed to have the ability of preventing women from contracting HIV/AIDS with the use of a simple injection of certain antibodies. Entitled as AMP or antibody mediated prevention, the study has been launched in Kisumu by Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri). Allegedly, experts claim that antibodies are known to be natural proteins found in the body which has the ability to fight off diseases, and can prevent the growth and spread of the virus.
HIV/AIDS Vaccine Developed By KEMRI
According to reports revealed by Standard Digital, the launch of an HIV vaccine made possible by Kenyan scientists came as a welcome relief. It was found that the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) researchers have reportedly undertaken studies on women aged between 18 and 40 years in order to determine the efficacy of a vaccine developed by the said group of scientists. Furthermore, it has also been emphasized that this will not be the first time for Kenyan scientists to take a stab in containing AIDS. In the early 90's, Dr. Davy Koech led other KEMRI scientists in coming up with KEMRON, which was a drug that they believed could supposedly cure AIDS.
AMP Study Findings
In one of his statements reported by Daily Nation, during the launch of the study at Kemri field station in Kisumu, field station director Dr. Steve Munga said that clinical trials will test whether giving women an anti-HIV antibody called VRC01 as an intravenous infusion after every eight weeks, is safe, tolerable and effective at preventing HIV infection. Meanwhile, as per Dr. Munga, most HIV vaccine trials tend to put the favor on men more than women although they are the highest population. That being said, as of the press time, it was found that the experts are now looking for more tools to protect women as well. Additionally, the field station director said that in traditional HIV vaccine studies, people get a vaccine and researchers wait to see if their bodies will make antibodies against HIV in response to the vaccine. However, this time, the antibodies would be administered to see if it will have the ability to protect against infection. Ultimately, the study authors have noted that the study is apparently being funded by the HIV Vaccine Trials Network and the HIV Prevention Trials Network.
