HKU HIV vax breakthrough moves closer to reality after 13-yr research

Hong Kong has been stepping up investment in innovation and technology in recent years, with the Research Grants Council allocating around 2.5 billion dollars annually to support research at local universities.

Backed by the funding, a team from HKU has spent more than 13 years developing what could become a breakthrough HIV vaccine, bringing the technology a step closer to real-world application.

Scientists identified a specific protein that first activates the body's immune system before inducing protective T cells capable of targeting and eliminating dormant HIV hidden inside infected cells. has successfully completed its Phase I human clinical trial.

The team has also partnered with a local biomedical firm and if successful, the inoculation can allow people living with HIV to control the virus without lifelong use of medication.