GlaxoSmithKline plans to adapt measles shot for HIV

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is planning to adapt its measles vaccine vector, or carrier, to create an experimental AIDS vaccine.

The company announced that researchers from GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, the vaccine division of GSK, and the French Institut Pasteur will collaborate to develop an AIDS vaccine by fusing genes from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) onto an existing measles vaccine.

GSK Biologicals will license the measles vaccine vector technology from Institut Pasteur and the two entities will jointly develop the AIDS vaccine.

Scientists hope that using this vaccine as a carrier to deliver HIV proteins will allow them to produce a uniquely potent and long-lasting vaccine to prevent AIDS.

The initial project is being supported by a 5.5 million euro grant from the European Union and will be conducted in collaboration with four research centres in France, Belgium and the United Kingdom.

“The gravity of the global AIDS crisis requires us to examine every viable option to develop a safe and effective vaccine,” said Jean Stephenne, president of GSK Biologicals.

“We are excited to be collaborating with Institut Pasteur, which brings a distinguished history and its innovative measles vector technology to this collaboration. We also applaud the European Union for providing much needed financial support.”

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