(CNN) A clinical trial for an HIV vaccine has been discontinued since the vaccine was not found to prevent infections of human immunodeficiency virus, the virus that causes AIDS.

JUST WATCHED Searching for the cure to AIDS Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Searching for the cure to AIDS 03:28

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases or NIAID, which sponsored the trial, announced on Monday that the study taking place in South Africa was halted after an independent data and safety monitoring board found the vaccine to be ineffective in preventing HIV. NIAID noted that the board did not express any concerns about safety.

"An HIV vaccine is essential to end the global pandemic, and we hoped this vaccine candidate would work. Regrettably, it does not," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the NIAID, said in a written statement on Monday.

"Research continues on other approaches to a safe and effective HIV vaccine, which I still believe can be achieved," he said.

In a separate news release, the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise announced "deep disappointment" that the vaccine study had been stopped. The enterprise is an alliance of funders and stakeholders formed to accelerate the search for an HIV vaccine.