China's AIDS vaccine tests going 'smoothly'
(AFP)
Updated: 2005-12-12 17:56

The second phase of the trials will test the immune nature and safety of the vaccine, according to Chen.

There have been about 35 AIDS vaccine trials on humans throughout the world, most of which are still in the first phase, according to Xinhua.

In the 24-year history of AIDS, only one vaccine has completed the full three-phase trial process -- AIDSVAX, which was found to be a disappointing failure.

In the latest trial to make headlines, Swedish researchers announced on December 1 that their trial for a so-called DNA vaccine against the AIDS virus was going better than expected.

The vaccine had successfully completed the first phase of tests among 40 Swedish HIV-negative volunteers, the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm said.

"It has been more effective than we thought it would be," the professor and head of clinical testing at the institute, Eric Sandstroem, told AFP.

"We have also failed to find any vaccine-related side effects at all."

Karolinska professor Britta Wahren, who developed the vaccine, also expressed optimism.

"There is every reason to be hopeful, even though the study is not finished," Wahren said.