Groote Schuur to launch first-in-human HIV/AIDS vaccine trails

In a monumental stride towards combating one of the continent’s most pressing health crises, South Africa has launched the BRILLIANT 011 first-in-human clinical trial at the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation (DTHF) site at Groote Schuur Hospital.

With the enrolment of the first participant this week, the trial holds promise for the development of an HIV vaccine specifically tailored to vaccine strains circulating in Southern Africa.

This trial, conducted by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) in collaboration with DTHF and the Wits Health Consortium, marks a significant milestone in African-led HIV vaccine research. It embodies a renewed aspiration that an HIV vaccine developed through African science, for African populations, is increasingly achievable.

The BRILLIANT 011 initiative is part of the broader BRILLIANT Consortium (BRinging Innovation to cLinical and Laboratory research to end HIV In Africa through New vaccine Technology), which was launched in 2024. This groundbreaking consortium unites leading researchers from South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique, notably led by a cohort of African women scientists. The SAMRC spearheads this pivotal study.

Despite facing severe setbacks, including debilitating funding cuts from US sources that risked the continuation of the programme, the BRILLIANT Consortium rallied impressively. Under the decisive leadership of notable figures such as Prof Glenda Gray, Prof Linda Gail Bekker, Prof Penny Moore, and Prof Nigel Garrett, the team successfully secured vital investment to protect the core scientific objectives, enabling Africa's inaugural clinical trial under the BRILLIANT Consortium to proceed.

The BRILLIANT 011 trial is investigating two innovative vaccine components, BG505 GT1.1 and 426c. Mod.Core-C4b administered with the SMNP adjuvant. These cutting-edge immunogens are the fruits of collaboration among global scientific leaders, including the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, showcasing the significance of international partnerships in advancing HIV research.

Undertaking one of the most difficult challenges in HIV vaccine development, this trial aims to explore new strategies for triggering broadly neutralising antibody responses. The findings have the potential to unlock new avenues in vaccine technology.

Commenting on the initiative, SAMRC sponsor representative Prof Gray stated, “Leading fundamental research on the continent enables African scientists to contribute to HIV science that has the potential to leap-frog innovation in this area.”

Prof Moore further noted, “This trial is only possible thanks to unprecedented collaboration with international partners. It will not only advance HIV vaccine design on the continent but also massively increase immunology expertise in South Africa, preparing us for other pathogens and outbreaks."

In reflecting on this historic moment, Prof Garrett expressed pride in having enrolled the first participant, marking a crucial step for the DTHF team and reinforcing the need for continued efforts in the fight against HIV.