AIDS researchers from 18 leading US universities are suggesting the biggest HIV vaccine trials ever set up are a waste of time. The trials involve 16,000 people in Thailand and are backed by US government agencies and drug companies.

In an article in Science, the researchers say there is no "persuasive evidence" that the vaccine will work, as the HIV protein it contains has already been proven to be incapable of preventing infection.

The agencies and companies backing the trial, including Aventis Pasteur, continue to support it unreservedly. 

Link to news story in BBC News Online
Link to article in Science by leading HIV/AIDS researchers

Reference: Science 303, 316 (2004)