KEMRI’s New HIV/AIDS Vaccine Drive

The quest for a new HIV/Aids vaccine gains renewed momentum following an award of $45.6 Million (Ksh.6.6 billion) to researchers at KEMRI-Kericho for the advancement and development of an African-led HIV Vaccine Candidate based on the circulating HIV viruses within the continent. The programme brings together, KEMRI and Walter Reed Project (WRP) Clinical Researchers who are part of a consortium led by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). The collaboration is part of a five-year USAID award plan titled BRILLIANT (BRinging Innovation to Clinical and Laboratory Research to end HIV In Africa through New vaccine Technology).

During the pronouncement of this milestone, Acting Director General Prof. Elijah Songok said that the consortium will develop and evaluate HIV vaccine candidates emanating from the African continent.

“This award will support African scientists and institutions that design and test HIV vaccine candidates, including KEMRI Kericho scientists to improve and advance the most promising HIV vaccine candidates toward clinical trials, it is also a notable transition towards localized research and development of generating solutions that reflect the diversity of our region,” he said.

BRILLIANT will focus on leveraging existing capacity, scientific expertise, and investments made in community
engagement in sub-Saharan Africa to advance a HIV vaccine from discovery through clinical trials. As part of the Consortium, Kenyan scientists will join forces with research colleagues from Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Partners in the consortium will direct HIV vaccine development efforts, and catalysts (adjuvant) design, and
identify appropriate delivery mechanisms. In addition, they will conduct basic science research and animal research pre-clinical studies and clinical trials in humans using novel vaccine formulations across all phases of research from phase one to three. This will be achieved on a foundation of robust community engagement and advocacy, capacity building and utilization, and reference laboratories that will support immunology and safety.

The program lead and Director KEMRI-Kericho, Dr. Fredrick Sawe, echoed, Prof. Songok’s sentiments, while acknowledging that this is a major boost that will strengthen the vaccine development process, potentially leading to the creation of a more suitable and effective vaccine Clinical Trials.

KEMRI Kericho, has been closely working with the Ministry of health, the County governments and proactively
engaging the local communities in all research activities including Community Board, fieldworkers, Community health promoters and health care workers among other partners such as the Walter Reed Project and the Henry Jackson Foundation.

The Institute has cultivated specialized capabilities, capacity and infrastructure dedicated to advancing HIV
vaccine and therapeutics research and other infectious diseases. This award therefore, is just a testament of
leadership capabilities and strength in matters vaccine.