United Biomedical Inc. of Hauppauge, N.Y., has begun its firsthuman trials of an experimental AIDS vaccine containingseveral copies of a chemically synthesized peptide from fivedistinct global isolates of HIV.

The vaccine was designed to induce a broad spectrum ofimmunologic responses so it might protect against worldwidestrains of HIV. The responses include neutralizing antibodies, Tcells and mucosal immunity to provide a local barrier tosexually transmitted HIV, said Wayne Koff, vice president forvaccine research and development.

The Phase I trial will examine the product's safety andimmune-stimulating capacity in 36 uninfected men and womenat low risk of HIV infection. Volunteers will participate in theeight-month-long trial conducted by Frederick Siegal at LongIsland Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, N.Y.

Recent studies indicate HIV exists in at least five geneticallydistinguishable groups. The prototype UBI vaccine consists of a"cocktail" of peptides from five strains, and is the firstexperimental vaccine of 13 in clinical trials to address thisdiversity.

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