U.S. to launch $36 million AIDS vaccine trial

About 16,000 HIV-negative volunteers will participate in the five-year study, to be co-sponsored by the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Thai Ministry of Public Health. Because it will take place in Thailand, the trial has been dubbed the "Thai Vaccine Trial." Over six months, half of the participants will receive a series of three "primer" shots and two "booster" shots; the other half will receive placebo. The "prime" part of the vaccine, called ALVAC-HIV, is made by Aventis Pasteur and the "boost," called AIDSVAX-B/E, is made by VaxGen. Both medications have been studied independently and have generated strong safety records. Dr. Anthony Fauci, chairman of NIAID, expressed optimism.