Preparing for Microbicides

Introducing new products is complex.

Family Health Research: 2008, Vol. 2, Issue 2

As clinical trials continue, scientists and the broader microbicide community are also preparing for the complex process of introducing a vaginal product once it has been shown to be effective.

Foremost, scientists are evaluating whether women and men will actually use a microbicide if it becomes available. Qualitative research on a product's acceptability may help to inform the design and development of new products, estimate how well women will adhere to an eventual microbicide, and influence how microbicides might one day be marketed.

Most acceptability studies focus on product characteristics such as formulation, color, texture, and the type of application. Others have investigated the importance of contraceptive ability among potential consumers, the influence of sexual partners on product use, and other factors that could differ between individuals or communities.

Few studies have evaluated the role that health care providers would play in promoting microbicides.¹ Yet, if and when a vaginal microbicide becomes available, health professionals would strongly influence whether women could access the product and how they would use it.

To help ensure the acceptability and use of microbicides outside of the research setting, the microbicide community is also:

• Considering the cost and affordability of products for potential consumers, reproductive health programs, and donors
• Identifying the most appropriate targets for initial introduction
• Developing counseling messages and deciding how microbicides would fit into a larger HIV-prevention strategy
• Determining appropriate service-delivery points and evaluating the capacity of service-delivery systems and health care providers to offer the products
• Collaborating with donors, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders who could influence introduction, since most of the products would be manufactured and distributed in developing countries without the help of large pharmaceutical companies

Reference

1. Mantell JE, Myer L, Carballo-Diéguez A, et al. Microbicide acceptability research: current approaches and future directions. Soc Sci Med 2005;60(2):319–30.