Page 11 - BOPHELO - Life - 2026

responses. BRILLIANT-011 responds to this challenge South Africa is entering a pivotal period in HIV prevention,
with a novel “cocktail” approach, administering two with plans to roll out long-acting pre-exposure
vaccine products together to stimulate the immune prophylaxis (PrEP) using lenacapavir. While such tools are
system to produce broadly neutralising antibodies highly effective, vaccines remain the most sustainable
capable of targeting multiple HIV variants. long-term solution for controlling infectious diseases.

The trial also uses a new adjuvant, a substance that The future of BRILLIANT-011 and similar trials depends on
boosts immune responses, that has never before been sustained funding and political commitment. Following
tested with this specific combination of immunogens. abrupt funding cuts to major international programmes
This rational, data-driven approach reflects how HIV in early 2025, support from the Gates Foundation has
vaccine science has evolved over the past two decades, enabled the continuation of BRILLIANT-011 and a
moving away from trial-and-error toward precision design companion study.
informed by advanced genetic and immune sequencing
technologies. Long-term success, however, will require greater
investment from African governments and stakeholders,
Crucially, the trial acknowledges both viral and human not only to advance HIV vaccine research, but to
diversity. Africa is home to the most genetically diverse strengthen scientific capacity and train the next
populations in the world, a factor that significantly generation of African researchers.
influences immune responses. Testing vaccines in the
populations where they are intended to work is therefore
not optional but essential.

The scientific foundations of BRILLIANT-011 were
laid through years of research involving African trial
participants. Vaccine candidates were first identified in
Africa, further developed internationally, and are now
being tested under African leadership.

As an early-phase trial, BRILLIANT-011 is not designed
to prove vaccine effectiveness. Its primary goals are
safety and immune response. Success at this stage would
mean demonstrating that the vaccine regimen can safely
trigger early immune responses, precursors to broadly
neutralising antibodies.

Participant safety and ethical conduct are central to the
trial. As a first-in-human study, BRILLIANT-011 follows
rigorous ethical standards, with robust informed consent
processes and continuous safety monitoring.

Equally important is community engagement. Researchers
work closely with community advisory groups, sharing
regular updates and incorporating community input
into trial design. This partnership approach helps build
trust and ensures that science remains responsive to the
needs of those most affected by HIV.

THE COMMUNITY ISSUE 9