Prevention: Microbicides

Global Campaign for Microbicides  and About microbicides

Latest News

Global Campaign for Microbicides
New Fact Sheets
The Global Campaign for Microbicides is pleased to announce that we have a newly revised set of fact sheets available at our download centre: www.global-campaign.org/download.htm

If you have suggestions for new materials or updates, let them know by sending an email to: info@global-campaign.org .

 

Global Campaign for Microbicides
Works to Educate and Inform  About User-Controlled HIV Prevention Methods
As a broad-based, international effort, the Global Campaign for Microbicides works to build support among policymakers, opinion leaders and the general public for increased investment into microbicides and other user-controlled HIV prevention methods. Through advocacy, policy analysis and social science research, the Campaign works to accelerate product development, facilitate widespread access and protect the needs and interests of users, especially women.
Visit http://www.global-campaign.org Or call (202) 822-0033

About microbicides
The word "microbicides" refers to a range of different products that share one common characteristic: the ability to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) when applied topically. A microbicide could be produced in many forms, including gels, creams, suppositories and films, or as a sponge or ring that releases the active ingredient over time. Microbicides could be the most significant innovation in reproductive health since the Pill and the Campaign wants to ensure that safer sex methods are at the disposal of every individual. 

A microbicide could prevent HIV and STDs by:
1) killing or otherwise immobilizing pathogens
2) blocking infection by creating a barrier between the pathogen and the cells of the vagina or rectum; or
3) preventing the infection from taking hold after it has entered the body

Ideally, a microbicide would combine all three mechanisms for extra effectiveness.

Microbicides are not currently available, but scientists are testing many substances to see whether they help protect against HIV and/or other STDs.  They are seriously pursuing over 60 product leads, including at least 12 that have proven safe and effective in animals and are now being tested in people. If one of these leads proves successful and investment is sufficient, a microbicide could be publicly available by 2007.

Almost all microbicide research is conducted by nonprofit and academic institutions or small biotech companies, funded by federal research grants through the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Federal funds also support basic science, social and behavioral research and clinical trial infrastructure that contribute to microbicide research and development.

Fact Sheets Available

For detailed fact sheets on such topics as women and HIV risk, the female condom, rectal microbicides and clinical trials, see http://www.global-campaign.org/download.htm, and for more information regarding safety and efficacy, the continued need for condoms and microbicides and contraception, visit the Campaign's "About Microbicides" page, located at http://www.global-campaign.org/about_microbicides.htm.

     A microbicide is a product applied topically inside the
vagina or rectum to prevent infection with HIV and potentially a
number of bacterial and viral STDs.

These may take the form of a gel, cream or suppository and
may or may not be spermicidal (have
a contraceptive effect). There are some indications that some
microbicides may be used to prevent transmission of HIV from
women to their male partners and they may be versatile for use in
the rectum for anal sex.
    
     The candidates fall into four categories or combination of
categories:
1)    Products that kill or inactivate infectious pathogens - these
include detergents (like nonoxynol-9, Savvy), peroxides,
lipids, plant extracts (Praneem, gossypol), antimicrobial
peptides, monoclonal antibodies and acidic buffers. Early
hopes were pinned on over-the-counter spermicides containing
nonoxynol-9 as potential microbicides. Recent studies have
shown the nonoxynol-9 products are ineffective against HIV and
most STDs and increase the risk of genital ulceration.
2)    Products that block fusion, i.e. prevent attachment to the
mucosal surface of target cells - these include those that
specifically target HIV surface proteins or HIV receptors and
non-specific blockers that are active against multiple
organisms (Carraguard, Emmelle, Pro-2000 and Usercell).
3)    Products that inhibit post-fusion activity by interrupting HIV
life cycle after the virus has infected the cell - these
included nucleoside/tide RT inhibitors; non-nucleoside/tide RT
inhibitors; protease inhibitors; and post-binding fusion
inhibitors.
4)    Products that enhance naturally occurring vaginal defense
mechanisms. The natural vaginal flora of healthy women is
dominated by lactobacilli, which produce a number of compounds
that inhibit pathogenic microorganisms. These compounds also
maintain a low, acidic pH in the vagina. Other important
defenses are naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides and
antibodies in the vagina. A few newly developed microbicides
aim to enhance these natural defenses. They may be of
particular relevance to those countries in sub-Saharan Africa
where almost half the women of childbearing age have bacterial
vaginosis, characterized by a lack of vaginal lactobacilli.
(Products include Lactobacillus crispatus suppository,
BufferGel, Acidform gel, Protegrins, Plantibodies [monoclonal
antibodies]).