South Africa launches first African-led HIV vaccine trial

By Charmaine Ndlela

South Africa has enrolled the first 20 HIV-negative volunteers in BRILLIANT 011, a first-in-human clinical trial of an HIV vaccine.

The trial is underway at the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation (DTHF) site at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. Participants were enrolled on 4 February 2026.

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BRILLIANT 011 is a partnership between the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation and the Wits Health Consortium.

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

SAMRC sponsor representative Professor Glenda Gray described the study as groundbreaking.

“This is a first-in-human, first-in-Africa study,” Gray said. “It forms part of an HIV discovery programme aimed