This issue of the newsletter describes efforts to develop a safe, effective, and acceptable microbicide to prevent HIV. Advocacy and support for microbicide research are strong, and an effective product -- although likely years away -- could help alleviate the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa and around the world.
FHI and its partners are working with women throughout the world to test a variety of candidate microbicides, including antiretroviral-based products such as tenofovir gel. They are also working with the broader microbicide community, which is preparing to introduce an effective product to the public if one becomes available.
Women have an especially high risk of HIV infection because of biologic susceptibility, economic dependence on their male partners, and difficulties negotiating condom use in their sexual relationships. A method of HIV prevention that a woman could control, such as a vaginal microbicide, could help overcome some of these disparities and save many lives.
We are pleased to share our knowledge and experiences with microbicides. We would also like to hear your experiences, ideas, and feedback. Please send us your comments.
Clinical Research Update
More than 60 potential microbicides are in some stage of laboratory or clinical development. Eleven of these products are in human clinical trials, and three are in large-scale effectiveness trials. However, no candidate microbicide has yet been shown to prevent HIV or other sexually transmitted infections in human beings.
Evaluating Tenofovir Gel in South Africa
The Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) and its partners are testing the effectiveness of tenofovir gel for HIV prevention in two South African communities. Tenofovir gel is one of the microbicide candidates that is based on an antiretroviral drug that is normally used to treat HIV infection.
Participating in Microbicide Trials
Researchers use multiple strategies to protect the women who participate in microbicide trials. The informed consent process aims to give women a complete understanding of a trial throughout the duration of their participation. Community involvement helps shape the way the trials are designed and implemented. Access to treatment for women who become infected with HIV during a trial continues to be a challenge.
Preparing for Microbicides
Scientists and the broader microbicide community are preparing for the complex process of introducing a vaginal product to the marketplace once it has been shown to be effective. Consumers, health professionals, reproductive health programs, and service-delivery systems need to be ready.
Resources: Research and Advocacy Partnerships
Several research and advocacy partnerships are dedicated to developing and building support for microbicides. These include the Microbicide Trials Network, the Microbicides Development Programme, the International Partnership for Microbicides, the Alliance for Microbicide Development, and the Global Campaign for Microbicides.
