Apollon SE

To evaluate safety and immune response in HIV-infected patients treated with multiple injections of APL 400-003 vaccine.
PER 2/27/96 AMENDMENT: To evaluate the safety of the vaccine when administered via the Biojector 2000 Needle-Free Injection Management System.
Facilitated DNA inoculation, a new type of DNA vaccine, involves direct injection of non-infectious HIV genes into a patient's muscle, along with agents that promote uptake of the genes into host cells. Host cells that have taken up these genes then produce viral proteins in a form that elicits immune responses in the form of antibodies, killer T-cells, and helper T-cells. The safety of this new vaccine approach needs to be assessed.
PER 2/27/96 AMENDMENT: The Biojector 2000 provides an option for delivering the vaccine without a needle and employs a single-use syringe to avoid cross-contamination.