Trials for experimental HIV vaccines have been fruitless for the last two decades, but recent scientific advances are spurring optimism among researchers, NBC News reported March 6.
HIV infects more than 1 million people each year, according to the United Nations HIV/AIDS program. For 20 years, major HIV vaccines fell short of proving efficacy, including four candidates in the past decade, according to NBC News.
Only one of nine HIV vaccine trials found some success, reporting a humble 31% reduction in HIV risk.
All potential HIV vaccines are being studied in labs, animals and early human trials — but favorable results are pouring in. Researchers told the news outlet they predict an HIV vaccine could be commercially available in the 2030s.
Sustaining enough funding is vital, experts said, as the U.S. shells out less and less money for HIV programs, according to the United Nations HIV/AIDS program.
Read more here about the refreshed hope for an HIV vaccine.