First Participant Enrolled in African-Led HIV Vaccine Trial BRILLIANT 011

The first participant has been successfully enrolled in the BRILLIANT 011 first-in-human clinical trial for an HIV vaccine at the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation (DTHF) site at Groote Schuur Hospital, marking a major milestone in African-led biomedical research.

The groundbreaking trial is being conducted by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) in partnership with the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation and the Wits Health Consortium.

Cutting-Edge Vaccine Candidates Under Evaluation

The BRILLIANT 011 trial is testing two next-generation HIV vaccine components—BG505 GT1.1 and 426c.Mod.Core-C4b—administered alongside the SMNP adjuvant.

According to the SAMRC, these state-of-the-art immunogens are the result of extensive international scientific collaboration, involving:

• International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI)

• Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

• Scripps Consortium for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development

• Amsterdam University Medical Centers

The trial represents a critical step in evaluating how the human immune system responds to these novel vaccine constructs.

Renewed Hope for an African-Developed HIV Vaccine

"The trial is marking a major milestone in African-led HIV vaccine research. BRILLIANT 011 brings renewed hope that an HIV vaccine developed through African science, for African populations, is becoming increasingly possible," the SAMRC said in a statement.

SAMRC sponsor representative Professor Glenda Gray said the study places African researchers at the forefront of global HIV vaccine development.

"Advances in HIV vaccine research and development place our team in a pivotal position to map immune responses to these novel vaccines in order to guide further development of this regimen," she said.

BRILLIANT Consortium Showcases Continental Collaboration

The study forms part of the BRILLIANT Consortium—BRinging Innovation to cLinical and Laboratory research to end HIV In Africa through New vaccine Technology—launched approximately two years ago.

The consortium brings together leading scientists from South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique, and is notable for being predominantly led by African women scientists, with the SAMRC leading this first clinical trial.

Scientific Resilience Despite Funding Challenges

The SAMRC noted that the consortium demonstrated exceptional resilience after facing significant challenges, including US funding cuts that threatened to derail the programme.

"Through swift leadership action and the mobilisation of new investment, the team successfully preserved the integrity of the research and ensured that Africa's first clinical trial under BRILLIANT could proceed," the statement said.

A Step Forward in the Fight Against HIV

With millions still affected by HIV across the continent, the enrolment of the first participant in BRILLIANT 011 signals a critical advance in Africa's pursuit of vaccine-driven prevention, reinforcing the continent's growing role as a leader—not just a participant—in global health innovation.

The trial is expected to generate vital data that will inform future vaccine development efforts and strengthen Africa's capacity for cutting-edge clinical research.