Barc signs biobanking agreement for HIV vaccine trials

Since October 2008, BARC has performed peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-isolation services for the HVTN HIV vaccine trials at various locations in South Africa. Under the new agreement, these services are extended to include the biobanking management services for all HVTN-related vaccine projects in South Africa. It is expected that during the next five years, hundreds of thousands of samples will be handled and managed at BARC’s facilities in Johannesburg.

The HVTN vaccine trials answer scientific questions that will advance knowledge and lead to a safe and effective vaccine to prevent HIV infection. The HVTN is supported through a cooperative agreement with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a component of the US National Institutes of Health. HVTN trials in South Africa are conducted in conjunction with the South African AIDS vaccine initiative.

Peter Cole, CEO of Barc South Africa, said: “This agreement provides Barc with the opportunity to make a major contribution towards the development of an HIV vaccine to help prevent the spread of AIDS in Africa. At the same time, this agreement expands Barc’s role in South Africa as the key provider of global central lab services for clinical trials.”