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Scientists are developing an edible HIV vaccine.

Maize has been genetically engineered to contain a protein which is found in the monkey form of HIV.

Medical experts believe it could be a cheap drug and be stored for a long time.

If the technology can be perfected it would also provide an easy way to treat the illness in countries with limited resources.

New Scientist reports the technique was perfected by US company ProdiGene.

The protein used, SIV gp120, is the monkey form of a protein which will be the subject of a vaccine trial in Thailand later this year.

Stuart Shapiro, of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases which commissioned the research, says the pill can be lab-tested on animals with the monkey form of HIV - called SIV.

He said: "We can take it and feed it to monkeys in our labs, and see not only if we get a response but if that response is protective against SIV."

Story filed: 14:30 Friday 12th April 2002

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