African-European HIV Vaccine Development Network (AfrEVacc)

Partner expertise will be used to create a new network devoted to HIV vaccine development and building HIV vaccine trial capacity in South Africa, Tanzania & Mozambique.

Principal Investigator:

Prof Jonathan Weber                   Imperial College London                                UK

Collaborators:

Dr Sheena McCormack               MRC Clinical Trials Unit                                  UK
Dr Michael Hoelscher                  University of Munich                                         Germany
Prof Giuseppe Pantaleo             Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois     Switzerland
Prof Giuseppe Pantaleo             EuroVacc Foundation
Dr Janneke van de Wijgert         University of Amsterdam                                  Netherlands
Dr Denise Naniche                      University of Barcelona Spain
Prof Helen Rees                           RHRU, University of Witwatersland               South Africa
Prof Gita Ramjee                          MRC Durban HIV Prevention Unit                  South Africa
Prof Marie-Louise Newell           Africa Centre, University of KwaZuluNatal    South Africa
Dr Khatia Munguambe                 FCRB-CISM Manhica                                       Mozambique
Dr Leonard Maboko                      Mbeya Medical Research Programme         Tanzania
Dr Josefo Ferro                             Universidade Catolica de Mocambique        Mozambique
Prof Wendy Stevens                     Contract Laboratory Services                          South Africa

The study is funded by the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials partnership (EDCTP) for 3 years, 2008-2011.

HIV prevention trials are not easy to implement and their preparation stretches beyond precision around HIV incidence estimates, although this is a key parameter. In the case of T-cell vaccines for HIV, where one of the primary end-points may be viral load at set-point after seroconversion, other data are required, such as determination of viral setpoint and management of primary infection. Through integrating the existing research activities of the partners into this new AfrEVacc Network, it is possible to access data on primary HIV infection (PHI) from a range of sources such as the SPARTAC programme, the Microbicides Development Programme, the Walter Reed East Africa HIV trials network and the PAVE-network. Pooling expertise from these existing programmes into AfrEVacc and sharing leadership of the disciplinary groups (Epidemiology, Community, Social Science, Clinical, Laboratory, Data Management) will optimize the tools available to the network and facilitate the transfer of skills and data from North to South. AfrEVacc will also liaise with larger collaborations globally; specifically with the EUROPRISE consortium, with the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise through the PTVDC and with IAVI through the Imperial College Core Facility. Beyond South-North Networking, the AfrEVacc Network will greatly contribute to South-South Networking activities and to the development, acquisition and sharing of local skills and strengths.

AfrEVacc will:
• build a comprehensive Network with coherent links between the institutional partners at the decision-making level and the requisite disciplines at the operational level, delivering added value through the sharing of existing data and expertise from established investigators in Africa and Europe;
• build new Capacity for HIV vaccine clinical trials, by pursuing Feasibility Studies in at-risk populations in two sites in Mozambique, and in male volunteers at three existing Phase III microbicide trial sites in South Africa to assess strategies for recruitment and retention of male volunteers; and initiating training in sample handling and quality assurance procedures for cellular immunology samples as well as hands-on clinical training in an existing HIV vaccine trial site in Tanzania;
• undertake a Pilot Trial of vaccine in clinical sites with sufficient capacity, and be ready by the end of the project to participate in an efficacy trial.

AfrEVacc's objectives are based on a sound assessment of the developing country sites' needs, and focus on the skills that will enhance the quality and scope of the delivery of vaccine trials. All the organisations involved are committed to developing expert clinical trial staff and developing a long term, sustainable programme of clinical trials. The AfrEVacc network will help to maintain and expand the existing infrastructure and research portfolio throughout the sites and create a wider pool of specialist employment opportunities. Institutionally and locally, expansion of laboratory procedures under GLP and with adequate QC and QA will greatly contribute to the capacity of each site to perform clinical trials of candidate HIV vaccines. It will increase the number of people receiving health screening, STI treatment, VCT, female and male condoms and health information. The Community Advisory Board (CAB) members will receive skills and information regarding HIV vaccines, community development, research, clinical trials and ethics and will advocate this throughout their organizations and community. Regionally this project increases the pool of clinical researchers and experts in Africa. The technical assistance and sharing of experience, systems and strategies between sites will ensure that participating organisations scope and expertise is expanded. Nationally in South Africa, Tanzania and Mozambique, AfrEVacc will enhance existing academic and scientific networks. Sites will use their existing relationships with government and other policy makers to influence health research policy. Training of personnel in various aspects of HIV will aid AfrEVacc country site personnel to be involved in national and international discussions on HIV/AIDS programmes.

AfrEVacc Secretariat:

Ruth Tipples r.tipples@imperial.ac.uk  +44-20-7594-1493