Experts call for urgent development of microbicides
Lange, J.
Global Aidsnews the Newsletter of the World Health Organization Global Programme on Aids 4: 9-10
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 1020-007X PMID: 12287435 Document Number: 331896
The World Health Organization's Global Program on AIDS's (GPA) Chief of clinical research and development reports on the rationale and recommendations of an international meeting in which the GPA called for the urgent development of antimicrobial products capable of preventing HIV infection when inserted in the vagina. The meeting took place in Geneva, November 11-13, 1993. It was attended by more than 70 people and organizations including scientists, drug company representatives, research funding agencies, drug regulatory authorities, nongovernmental organizations, and women's health advocacy groups which reviewed data on barrier methods against the sexual transmission of HIV and laid out the necessary steps to develop the microbicides. Participants at the meeting recommended studying the safety and efficacy of existing spermicides with antimicrobial activity in preventing HIV transmission; developing new products for intravaginal use capable of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV; researching nonirritating compounds; conducting animal studies; launching phase I-III clinical trials; fostering collaboration in research and other activities; and continuing to promote condom use as central to the prevention of HIV and other STDs.