In an effort to combat tuberculosis, Aeras and the Oxford-Emergent Tuberculosis Consortium have announced the start of a Phase IIb trial of the MVA85A vaccine. The 1,400-person proof-of-concept study will focus on HIV-infected patients, who are 20 times more likely to develop TB than the general public. Study participants will be vaccinated at centers in Senegal and South Africa.
"The TB and HIV co-epidemic is devastating, requiring a concerted global response," said Professor Charles Mgone, executive director of European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, which is funding the trial. "EDCTP in partnership with Aeras, Oxford-Emergent Tuberculosis Consortium and others is committed to accelerate research and development of this promising vaccine against tuberculosis by co-financing the clinical trial as an essential part in its evaluation."
According to the a statement issued by the partners, 1.7 million people worldwide die of TB each year and another 2 billion are infected.
- check out the Aeras release
- and here's more from PBR