A Phase I Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Immunogenicity of 100 mcg of Env 2-3 in MF59

Preliminary immunologic data from protocol VEU 005B show evidence of the development of functional antibodies in the form of increased peptide binding and development of neutralizing antibodies. Evaluation of an antigen dose having potentially greater immunogenicity is therefore of particular interest.

Twelve healthy volunteers receive injections of 100 mcg Env 2-3 in MF59 emulsion and two volunteers receive MF59 only on days 0, 30, 180, and 365. Follow-up continues for 6 months after the last injection.

Inclusion criteria

Subjects are:

• Normal, healthy adults (by history and physical examination) who fully comprehend the purpose and details of the study.

Exclusion criteria

Co-existing Condition:

Subjects with the following conditions or symptoms are excluded:

• Positive syphilis serology (such as VDRL) unless positive test is due to a documented clinical event that occurred and was treated 5 or more years prior to enrollment.
• Circulating hepatitis B antigenemia.

Subjects with the following prior conditions are excluded:

• History of immunodeficiency, chronic illness, or autoimmune disease.
• Evidence of depression or under treatment for psychiatric problems during the past year.

Prior Medication:

Excluded:

• Immunosuppressive medications.

Prior Treatment:

Excluded:

• Blood transfusions or cryoprecipitates within the past 6 months.

Identifiable high-risk behavior for HIV infection, including:

• history of intravenous drug use; syphilis, gonorrhea, or any other sexually transmitted diseases (including chlamydia or pelvic inflammatory disease) in the last 6 months; more than two sexual partners, or sexual contact with a high-risk partner, in the preceding 6 months.