Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Had AIDS Vaccine Research Subcommittee (AVRS) meeting at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel to discuss the way forward following the Thai trial (RV144). We discussed the same issues that I discussed at the smaller meeting of my “Kitchen Cabinet” on Jan. 25. As usual, people had insecurities about pursuing a path that was not their path. In addition to the Jan. 25 group, also present were Dennis Burton, Bruce Walker, Nelson Michael, Jerome Kim, Debbie Birx (now at CDC). I made it clear to them in no uncertain terms that they needed to speak up openly and not stay silent and then after the meeting say they disagreed with the conclusions. It turned out to be a good meeting since they obviously heard what I said.