A dual hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV vaccine showed that the attempt to protect against both viruses at the same time did not impair the immune response to either. Researchers conducted a Phase I study of 32 HIV- and HCV-negative participants and presented findings at the 51st International Liver Congress in Barcelona.

The participants were divided into three groups, each of which received two vaccine doses, one eight weeks after the other. One group received only an investigational HCV vaccine; the second group received only an investigational HIV vaccine; and the third group received both vaccines, administered at the same time.

Both the HIV and HCV vaccines induced an immune response in the body, as evidenced by the number of HIV- and HCV-specific T-cells detected in blood samples. The second vaccine shot was associated with a subsequent increase in such immune responses.

The researchers found that giving both the HIV and HCV vaccines at the same time did not impair the intensity or the breadth of the immune response to either virus, when compared with giving a vaccine for just one virus.

The vaccines, which were administered through intramuscular injections, were well tolerated.

To read a press release about the study, click here.