No news on the HIV vaccine front, but a story anyway...

This CNNMoney.com story today on HIV vaccine research has little news value. Its thesis seems to be that an HIV vaccine would be wonderful news for the pharmaceutical industry (nevermind mankind). Backed by a handful of quotes from industry analysts, the author states that a vaccine...

"could bring in blockbuster sales for the companies behind it, save lives, and possibly even improve Big Pharma's battered image, all at the same time."

Even for a business website, it seems as though the issue of 'saving lives' is getting short shrift. Overall, despite several analyst quotes noting that a safe and effective HIV vaccine is years away (if ever), its descriptions of phase II and III clinical trials still sends the impression that we're closer to a vaccine than anyone working in the field believes.

This post isn't intended solely to criticize the story and its author (although his reference to Tamiflu as an "influenza vaccine" slightly hurts his credibility). Rather, it is a good example of the difficulties of accurate, sound coverage of vaccines in the media, particularly when reporters -- especially non-science reporters -- must rely on a few quotes from 'experts' to guide their story. A piece such as this is harmless, but when controversies surface regarding vaccines, such coverage can be problematic. We'll be paying special attention to this phenomenon in the weeks and months ahead.

Finally, a note that the quest for an HIV vaccine and the ethics thereof are special interests of the Ethics of Vaccine project. While other vaccine-related issues are more immediate concerns to society (avian flu, supply shortages, HPV, safety, etc.), the potential benefits of an HIV vaccine are immeasurable. We're interested in the work underway worldwide to make that potential a reality.