SAAVI MVA-C

SAAVI MVA-C is an experimental HIV-1 vaccine candidate developed as part of the South African AIDS Vaccine Initiative (SAAVI). It is based on a modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) viral vector engineered to express HIV-1 subtype C antigens, specifically Gag, Pol, and Env proteins. The vaccine was designed to induce both cellular and humoral immune responses against HIV-1 subtype C, which is the predominant strain in southern Africa. In clinical studies, it has been used as a boost following priming with a DNA vaccine (SAAVI DNA-C2), forming a prime-boost regimen. The primary mechanism involves stimulating T-cell responses—especially CD4+ T cells—to multiple HIV antigens and inducing binding and neutralizing antibodies targeting the envelope protein[1][2][5][6]. Early-phase clinical trials demonstrated that this regimen was safe and immunogenic but did not provide sterilizing protection in animal models or humans[4][5].

Brand names

SAAVI MVA-C

Other names

SAAVI MVA-C vaccineModified Vaccinia Ankara-HIV-1 subtype C vaccine