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PROGRAM Microbicides For nearly 20 years, the Population Council has been working to develop safe and effective microbicides.
Vaginal microbicides are being developed primarily as female-initiated methods for reducing male-to-female transmission of HIV and possibly other sexually transmitted infections when used during sex. Women need more options to protect themselves from infection because current prevention strategies are not always feasible. While no effective microbicides yet exist, they would most likely be formulated as gels, creams, films, or vaginal rings. Research to develop HIV-prevention technologies is being expanded to include rectal, oral, and a wider range of vaginal products, some for daily or continuous use. The Council's comprehensive approach to microbicides development comprises all aspects of research, from the laboratory to the field to product introduction to public education. Since 1989, biomedical researchers have been conducting basic science research on the sexual transmission of HIV and screening compounds for potential microbicidal activity. Using both in vitro and in vivo models, scientists have been testing a variety of compounds for activity against HIV and other sexually transmitted pathogens. Council scientists have spent the past decade honing promising carrageenan-based microbicide formulations. This work resulted in the development of the Council's candidate microbicide, Carraguard®. Between 1996 and 2002, Council researchers conducted clinical trials on four continents to ensure that Carraguard is safe and acceptable for humans. The Phase 3 clinical trial of Carraguard (2004–2007) did not demonstrate that it is effective in preventing male-to-female HIV transmission during vaginal intercourse. It did show that Carraguard is safe for use approximately one time per week during vaginal sex for up to two years. Building on the lessons learned from the Carraguard trial, Council staff are conducting several experimental studies aimed at improving methodology for future clinical trials. In particular, our researchers are testing the use of interactive voice response survey (IVRS) systems to improve adherence and reporting of adherence. Council staff members are also continuing to work on basic research on HIV transmission and toward developing new potential microbicides, including contraceptive formulations. Other researchers at the Council continue to pursue social science research and public education opportunities to advance HIV prevention. Why Microbicides? According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), between 30 and 36 million people worldwide were living with HIV and AIDS at the end of 2007, including 2.5 million who were newly infected. UNAIDS also reported in 2006 that 45 million new HIV infections are expected to occur between 2002 and 2010. (continued) The following pages provide additional information on the Council's microbicides program: Nonclinical Laboratory Studies
Behavioral and Social Science Research History of Research, 1989–Present See Also
Contact: microbicide@popcouncil.org Carraguard® is the Population Council's US trademark for pharmaceutical preparations, namely microbicides, for use in preventing infection.
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