HIV: Hope of finding vaccine rises

The discovery of two robust antibodies that can disjoint the virulent virus has kept patients and activists' optimism spiraling upwards.  Researchers led by the International AIDS Vaccine Institute (IAVI) said the two new antibodies revealed what might be an "Achilles heel" of the virus. Trial to exploit this weakness is on the cards.

"The findings [published in the Science Journal early September 2009] are an exciting advance toward the goal of an effective AIDS vaccine because now we've got a new, potentially better target for vaccine design," said Wayne Koff, senior vice president of research and development at IAVI, in a statement. "And, having identified this one, we're set up to find more, which should further accelerate global efforts in AIDS vaccine development."