# Who to engage in HIV vaccine trial benefit-sharing negotiations? An empirical proposition of a framework

## TL;DR

This study proposes a framework for fair benefit-sharing in HIV vaccine trials by identifying key stakeholders and their roles in decision-making.

## Contribution

The paper empirically proposes a novel framework for stakeholder engagement in benefit-sharing negotiations for HIV vaccine trials.

## Key findings

- A triangular relationship exists between the research community, researched community, and intermediaries.
- Negotiations should consider the timing, understanding between parties, and clinical trial phase.
- The framework promotes informed and inclusive decision-making in resource-limited settings.

## Abstract

A morally sound framework for benefit-sharing is crucial to minimize research exploitation for research conducted in developing countries. However, in practice, it remains uncertain which stakeholders should be involved in the decision-making process regarding benefit-sharing and what the implications might be. Therefore the study aimed to empirically propose a framework for benefit-sharing negotiations in research by taking HIV vaccine trials as a case.

The study was conducted in Tanzania using a case study design and qualitative approaches. Data were collected using in-depth interviews (IDI) and focus group discussions (FGD). A total of 37 study participants were selected purposively comprising institutional review board (IRB) members, researchers, community advisory board (CAB) members, a policymaker, and HIV/AIDS advocates. Deductive and inductive thematic analysis approaches were deployed to analyze collected data with the aid of MAXQDA version 20.4.0 software.

The findings indicate a triangular relationship between the research community, researched community and intermediaries. However, the relationship ought to take into consideration the timing of negotiations, the level of understanding between parties and the phase of the clinical trial. The proposed framework operationalize partnership interactions in community-based participatory research.

In the context of this study, the suggested framework incorporates the research community, the community being researched, and intermediary parties. The framework would guarantee well-informed and inclusive decision-making regarding benefit-sharing in HIV vaccine trials and other health-related research conducted in resource-limited settings.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12910-024-01058-4.