In 2012, MHRP began its collaboration with the National Ministry of Health/National Institute of Health/Polana Çanico Health Research and Training Center in Maputo, which has helped strengthen the research infrastructure to conduct HIV vaccine research in Mozambique.
The Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS) is an autonomous government institution under the tutelage of the Minister of Health conducts research, training and public health activities. The Polana Caniço Health Research and Training Center (CISPOC) is a research center affiliated with INS. CISPOC was established in 2011 and is experienced in conducting clinical research, including clinical trials, cohort studies, surveillance and program evaluation.
In 2014 CISPOC-INS began conducting studies with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) as part of MHRP’s CTU.
Recent HIV Studies with MHRP/HVTN:
- HVTN 107: Clade C ALVAC-HIV (vCP2438) and Bivalent Subtype C gp120 alone, with MF59® adjuvant, and with alum adjuvant
- HVTN 703: VRC01 broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody (The AMP Study)
- HVTN 705: Heterologous prime/ boost vaccine regimen of Ad26. Mos4.HIV and aluminum phosphate- adjuvanted Clade C gp140
Over the past seven years CISPOC has conducted more than 15 observational studies, nine clinical trials and two basic science studies. In addition to collaborative HIV studies, the site participated in a multi-site Ebola vaccine study initiated by MHRP and sponsored by Janssen.
Completed HIV Studies
TaMoVac I and II HIV Vaccine Studies
The sites successfully completed a Phase I DNA prime/MVA boost HIV vaccine study with 97% visit compliance and 96% retention rate. A second Phase II DNA prime/MVA boost study was completed successfully with 92% retention rate.
The TaMoVac studies tested an MVA vaccine developed by MHRP and the Laboratory of Viral Diseases at NIAID. MHRP provided the MVA, which is delivered after initial vaccination with a DNA vaccine and is developed by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.
HIV Incidence Studies
The RV363 cohort study determined HIV incidence and prevalence in Mozambique. The trial also served as a mechanism to advance the clinical, laboratory, data management, quality assurance and community engagement capacity for future complex HIV vaccine trials.
Community Advisory Board
CISPOC has developed strong relationships and trust with the different communities and stakeholders in the Maputo city and Maputo province areas. The CAB, established in 2011, is composed of a diverse group of individuals, serving as a link between the research site and the local community and is representative of the communities that participate in the research protocols at the site.