Step Study

The Seattle HIV Vaccine Trials Unit brings us a Step Closer to an HIV preventive vaccine with the launch of their new HIV vaccine study called “Step”. The vaccine will be tested in 13 U.S. cities including Seattle, and in five other countries. Nationwide, this study hopes to enroll 3,000 people. In Seattle, we hope to enroll 100 or more men! Dr. Julie McElrath, the lead scientist for the HIV Vaccine Trials Unit, says “ this is an important step closer” to a vaccine that could be widely used. If the vaccine succeeds in the trial, a widely available immunization could be ready in about seven years, he said.

In this study, volunteers will receive three injections over a period of six months. About half will receive the vaccine and half will receive a placebo (a dummy vaccine) and no one will know who got what until the end of the study. It is impossible for either group to get HIV infection from the study injections because they DO NOT contain actual HIV.

Recruiter Kim Louis says, “this is the first really big study that the unit has had and we’re all very excited about it”.

Participants who were in Project Explore are eligible for this study and participants who were in the Vaxgen study and who received the placebo might also be eligible.

For more information or to find out if you are eligible to participate please call the HIV Vaccine Trials Unit at 206-667-2300.

Are you a good fit?

To participate in this study you must be a man who:

	Has sex with men
	Is HIV negative
	Is between 18 and 45 years of age
	Has had unprotected anal sex or two or more partners for anal sex in the last six months

Deets about the study

	One to two screening visits
	Approximately 16 clinic visits
	Three vaccinations
	Compensation provided