Aiding AIDS: Hurdling the Obstacles to the Development of an Effective AIDS Vaccine

Abstract

This paper explores the various impediments to the development of a safe and effective AIDS vaccine, and offers suggestions to help overcome these obstacles. I begin by discussing the FDA approval process and the current state of AIDS vaccine development. I then consider the different scientific impediments to the development of a preventive vaccine. The next section addresses the logistical and ethical issues in the clinical testing of a vaccine. I discuss the ethical principles that should guide researchers, demonstrate the social harm that participation may cause volunteers, and suggest methods to resolve these ethical dilemmas. Finally, I discuss the economic impediments faced by manufacturers in the form of high costs, uncertain profit margins, and unpredictable liability. Using past legislative attempts at restructuring manufacturer incentives as models, I present recommendations to help encourage manufacturers to produce the safest and most effective vaccine they can, and make it available as quickly as possible.