[Letter to Bill Caldwell from Jon Cohen]

TO: BILL CALDWELL wFROM: JON COHEN
October 9, 1992
As per my conversations with Jim Turner, the following is for the
Secretary of Defense.
I am writing an article for Science magazine about the
appropriation of $20 million to the Department of Defense to
carry out the human trials of a therapeutic AIDS vaccine. This
amendment (to follow) recently was introduced by Senators Sam
Nunn and Warner. At the time, Nunn said that ''According to Army
medical experts, phase 2 has shown that the vaccine should go to
phase 3 as soon as possible.'' I am trying to ascertain who these
''medical experts'' might be. The Army has told me in writing
that it believes the trial is ''premature.'' Nunn's office
directed me to David Gribbin; I have been trying to reach him
through your public affairs office for four days without success.
My questions are as follows:
1. Who, if anyone, at the Department of Defense told Senators
Nunn and Warner that ''Army medical experts'' believe this trial
should happen as soon as possible?
2. The legislation gives the Secretary of Defense, the FDA
Commissioner and the NIH Director the authority to decide whether
this trial occurs, but unless the three of you concur, the trial
will go forward. If the NIH Director and FDA commissioner come
out against the trial, is it possible that you would still
recommend it?
2a. If so, why?
3. Did David Gribbin discuss this particular AIDS vaccine trial
with anyone in the Congress.
3a. If so, what was the extent of the discussion.
Thank you for your help. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
C) Clo.

Jon Cohen -I II IIIIIIII I IIII
Science 5571095.0199.127
Contributing Correspondent
202-332-9564