(a) whether a research team at the National HIV Reference Centre in AIIMS have succeeded in developing an effective vaccine for AIDS as reported in the `Hindustan Times` dated July 21, 2004;
(b) if so, the veracity of the matter reported therein;
(c) whether the said team is awaiting clearance for the clinical trials to be conducted on human beings;
(d) if so, the reasons attributed for the delay in giving clearance; and
(e) the time by when the clinical trials on humans are likely to commence?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) & (b) The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology supports a National Reference Center at AIIMS for developing a vaccine for HIV. This National HIV Reference Centre in AIIMS has reported the development of a DNA recombinant vaccine against HIV 1 sub type - C. This vaccine is yet to undergo clinical trials to determine its efficacy, safety etc.
(c) to (e) Yes, Sir. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India is constituting an Expert Group to examine suitability of this vaccine for under going clinical trials. In view of the above, no time frame can be ascertained for initiating the clinical trials.