Novosibirsk virologists have successfully completed the first stage of clinical trials of their experimental HIV vaccine developed by the Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology (SRC VB Vector), MedPortal reports.

Aleksander Sergeyev, the general director of SRC VB Vector, said that unlike international analogs, research revealed response from both humoral and cell elements of the immune system.

Mr. Sergeyev also noted that the first trial stage showed high tolerability of the vaccine. He added that a decision on continuing research was to be made by the Science Center of Expertise of Medications that monitors clinical trials in the country.

In 2007 the Russian government allocated $33m for the development of a national HIV vaccine. As a result, specialists of SRC VB Vector invented the medicine CombiVICHvac; the Institute of Immunology of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia developed VICHREPOL; and the Science and Research Institute of Extra-Pure Medicines in cooperation with the St. Petersburg State University (SPSU) created the vaccine DNK-4.

The first phase of clinical trials for CombiVICHvac and DNK-4 was authorized in November 2010. By that time VICHERPOL had entered phase 2 of research.

The State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR (SRC VB VECTOR) is one of the largest Russian research and production biotechnology entities. The Center’s mission is to provide measures to fight global infection threats.

Basic research is focused on generating new scientific knowledge in molecular biology, virology, genetic engineering, biotechnology, epidemiology, and ecology. The Center’s applied research is aimed at development of efficient ways and methods of prevention, treatment and diagnostics of infectious diseases; creation and improvement of biotechnologies to fight infectious pathogens.