How does this research differ from others?
1.) This is a therapeutic approach for the HIV-infected, not a preventative vaccine.
2.) This is a therapy and not a product. T-cell vaccination involves a series of intermittent treatment sessions over approximately a 24 month period resulting in a cumulative "post-infection" vaccine effect.
3.) This is not an anti-retroviral therapy. ARV treatment is a method of treatment aimed at eradication of the virus. Approximately 20% of the existing population on ARVs do not respond adequately and may benefit from T-cell vaccination in addition to those who would like to be spared a lifetime regime of daily medication.
4.) The therapy-based protocol encourage study compliance. Pill-bases ARV treatment require complicated dosage protocols that must be followed lifelong. T-cell therapy is administered for proximately two years after which the cumulative vaccine effect created may only need an occasional booster dose, if at all, for the natural lifespan of the patient.
5.) To date, studies show lack of toxicity in the T-cell vaccination method.
6.) A sub-study now applies the technique in advance of anti-retroviral protocols with the aim of delaying the need to resort to anti-retrovirals - perhaps indefinitely in some individuals.
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