In non human primate (monkey) trials a level of vaccine effectiveness of 96% was observed with GeoVax's vaccine. This level is extraordinary in view of the fact that the challenge (AIDS causing) virus given to these vaccinates causes levels of virus in blood that are 10 to 100 fold higher than the levels of HIV-1 found in a typical infected human. In other words, the pathogenic HIV-1 virus challenge administered to the monkeys was extremely severe.
The challenge virus caused death within 8 months in 5 of 6 non vaccinated animals. The vaccinated group of 23 demonstrated excellent long-term protection against AIDS, with only one case of clinical disease occurring. This case of disease occurred in a monkey that had received a partial dose of the vaccine. A total of 22 of 23 vaccinated monkeys (96%) were healthy and well protected against AIDS throughout the 3½ year trial.