There’s hope, says head of AIDS vaccine project

Harvard-trained physician Seth Berkley, who heads the New York-based International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), is in New Delhi to stress...

Harvard-trained physician Seth Berkley, who heads the New York-based International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), is in New Delhi to stress on more investment in the health sector during the India Summit of the World Economic Forum. Berkeley told Poornima Joshi how close we are to finding a vaccine against HIV.

• Some scientists believe a vaccine against HIV won’t be as successful as one against polio because of the structure of the virus and its mode of penetration into the body. It is also believed that a vaccine may only increase life expectancy among HIV patients.

It is unfair to make such claims before the vaccine is launched. We have been able to target viruses such as polio with absolute precision. There were cynics even when a vaccine against polio was being developed. But now we have a wonderful vaccine, and look at the way India has provided immunisation cover to people against polio.

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• Some would still say it is a pointless exercise because a vaccine for TB, which functions in the same manner as HIV, could not be developed.

The confusion has been created by the medium through which HIV strikes. But efforts are being made to target the virus from various quarters. Through antibodies and T-cells. Within a few months, we will get the Phase-III trial results of GP120, which is an antibody vaccine. Yet another vaccine, which is cell-mediated, will be put through trials.

• What kind of opportunities is the IAVI looking for in India? You signed an MOU with the Health Ministry.

There are tremendous opportunities here. We are looking forward to production here once the vaccine is developed. We have great plans for India.