About
- What is HIV?
- HIV stands for “human immunodeficiency virus”. It is the virus that causes AIDS. This viruses is transmitted from one person to another when HIV-infected blood, semen or vaginal secretions come into contact with another persons’ broken skin or mucous membranes. HIV-infected pregnant women can also pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy, delivery and through breast milk.
- What is AIDS?
- AIDS stands for “acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.” It is an immunodeficiency syndrome, meaning that the immune system of a person with AIDS is weakened. AIDS is caused by HIV.
- Is there a cure for HIV?
- No. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. However, there are antiretroviral medications that can slow the progression of HIV. There are also medications that can cure many of the illnesses associated with AIDS, though the treatments do not cure AIDS itself.
- How long will it be until we have an HIV vaccine?
- The development of an HIV vaccine depends on several factors. All vaccines must complete animal trials and three phases of human clinical trials before applying for approval by the Food and Drug Administration. GAIA VF is currently testing its’ HIV vaccine in transgenic mice. We hope to start Phase I human clinical trials in 2006.
- How many HIV vaccines are currently being produced?
- There are over 20 HIV vaccines in production. However, all of these vaccine candidates are directed primarily toward the developed world. Additionally, these HIV vaccines will be prohibitively expensive for the developing world.