J&J to discontinue trial after HIV vaccine found ineffectiveJan 18 (Reuters) - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N) said on Wednesday it will discontinue the late-stage global trial of an HIV vaccine after it was found ineffective at preventing infections.The HIV vaccine study, which began in 2019, was conducted at over 50 sites and included about 3,900 men who have sex with men and transgender people - groups that are considered vulnerable to the infection.J&J's partner, the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN), said the shot was being tested only on individuals who did not accept pre-exposure prophylaxis - treatment to prevent infections.While no safety issues were identified with the vaccine regimen, the trial's failure marks yet another setback in the search for a vaccine against HIV - a virus known to mutate rapidly and find unique ways to evade the immune system.Another HIV vaccine by J&J in 2021 failed a mid-stage study in a population of young women in sub-Saharan Africa."