Safety issues

The purpose of this study is to determine whether an HIV vaccine given as three nasal immunisations with a protein from HIV virus mixed with a toxoid adjuvant, followed by two intramuscular immunisations with the same protein mixed with a liquid adjuvant, causes untoward adverse reactions when administered to healthy adult volunteers. An initial evaluation of immune responses to the vaccine will also be undertaken.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether an HIV vaccine given as three nasal immunisations with a protein from HIV virus mixed with a toxoid adjuvant, followed by two intramuscular immunisations with the same protein mixed with a liquid adjuvant, causes untoward adverse reactions when administered to healthy adult volunteers. An initial evaluation of immune responses to the vaccine will also be undertaken by measuring gp140- and LTK63-specific IgG and IgA in cervical secretions, vaginal secretions, serum and nasal wash. IFNg secretion of T cells in response to gp140 peptide stimulation will be undertaken along with neutralising assays.

Inclusion Criteria:

• They are adult volunteers, 18 to 45 years of age, who have signed an informed consent form following a detailed written explanation of participation in the protocol.
• They are volunteers who are in good health as determined by medical history, physical examination and clinical judgement.
• They are available for the duration of the study
• They are women who, if capable of becoming pregnant during the study, have agreed to have a pregnancy test immediately before immunisation, and to use appropriate contraception methods during the whole study period.

Exclusion Criteria:

• They have hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccines used in this study.
• They are found to be HIV antibody positive at the time of initial screening
• They have a known or suspected history of nasal disease, malignancy or abnormality, or any nasal disease, malignancy or abnormality discovered at time of screening.
• They have a known or suspected history of severe seasonal allergies and allergic rhinitis (requiring medication), recurrent nose bleeds, asthma, or cardio-pulmonary disease, or any of these conditions discovered at time of screening.
• They present in the samples obtained at the screening visit:
• a clinically significant amount of protein or haemoglobin in the urine sample, determined by urine dipstick:
• a clinically significant abnormality in the haematological or biochemical assays
• An abnormal value will be defined by the ranges quoted in the St George's Pathology Services Handbook.
• They have a known impairment of immune function or are receiving immunosuppressive therapy (including systemic or inhaled steroids, but excluding topical).
• They are receiving any medications via nasal route.
• They have any acute infections (including fever greater than or equal to 38°C) or any chronic disease.
• They are women capable of becoming pregnant who do not agree to have pregnancy testing before application of study products, or who do not agree to take appropriate contraception measures during the whole study period. Appropriate contraception shall include physician-prescribed oral, injected or implanted hormonal agents; barrier contraceptives used in conjunction with spermicidal agents; or intrauterine devices only.
• They present a current problem with substance abuse or with a history of substance abuse which, in the opinion of the investigator, might interfere with participation in the study.
• They have any condition which, in the opinion of the investigator, might interfere with the evaluation of the study objectives.
• They have received an investigational agent within 3 months prior to study entry.
• They cannot speak fluent English, or are planning to leave the area of the study site prior to the end of the study period, or are likely not to complete the study.
• They have a weight (W)/height (H) index (WHI) less than 18.5 or greater than 40