120 likes | 210 Views
Introduction to Microbicides. What is a microbicide?. A microbicide is any substance that can substantially reduce transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) when applied in the vagina or the rectum Like today’s spermicides, a microbicide could be produced in many forms:
E N D
Introduction to Microbicides International HIV/AIDS Toolkit
What is a microbicide? • A microbicide is any substance that can substantially reduce transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) when applied in the vagina or the rectum • Like today’s spermicides, a microbicide could be produced in many forms: • Gels, creams, films, suppository, sponge, vaginal ring, or vaginal wipe International HIV/AIDS Toolkit
What would they be like? • Some will also prevent pregnancy • Others will be microbicidal but not contraceptive • Many candidate products are broad spectrum reducing risk of some other STDs, in addition to HIV International HIV/AIDS Toolkit
How effective will they be? • First microbicides will be 50-60% protective • 2nd generation products will be 70-90% • should be promoted these adjunct or “back-up” to condoms, not as a replacement • use with harm reduction messages, such as: • Use a male or female condom every time you have sex; if you absolutely can’t use a condom, use a microbicide • Use a microbicide with your condom for added pleasure and protection International HIV/AIDS Toolkit
How microbicides are developed • Test existing substances for microbicidal potential • Explore novel compounds that either: • kill or disable the pathogen • boost vaginal/rectal defense systems • make a barrier to protect the vaginal/rectal walls • prevent infection from taking hold once the virus enters the body International HIV/AIDS Toolkit
Examples of products in Development • Carraguard • Savvy • BufferGel • Pro 2000 • Invisible condom • Cellulose sulfate • Dextrine Sulfate International HIV/AIDS Toolkit
Numbers of products in development International HIV/AIDS Toolkit
Development will require significant government investment Large pharmaceutical companies have relatively little interest in pursuing microbicides • perceived low profitability • liability concerns • lack of in-house expertise • uncertain regulatory environment For the last 20 years, almost all funding for contraceptive development and related research has come from governments and foundations. International HIV/AIDS Toolkit
The Microbicide Universe • 35 biotech companies • 44 non-profit research entities • 4 public-sector entities International HIV/AIDS Toolkit
Potential public health impact If a…………….60% effective product Offered to……..73 lower income countries Is used by…….. 20% people reached by healthcare during…………50% of sex acts when condoms isn't = 2.5 million HIV infections averted in 3 years (including women, men and children) By comparison: People newly infected with HIV (2002)…. 5 mil Women = 50% of newly infected = approx. 2.5 mil. International HIV/AIDS Toolkit
The players • Global Campaign for Microbicides (GCM) • International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM) • Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) • Microbicides Advocacy Group Network (MAG-Net) International HIV/AIDS Toolkit
How to become involved • Join MAG-Net and the Global Campaign for Microbicides • Get your organization to take on microbicides by raising awareness, taking on advocacy or community preparedness. • Visit the following web sites: • www.global-campaign.org • www.ipm-microbicides.org • www.microbicide.org • www.lifelube.org • www.cdnaids.ca 4) Sign up for the bi-weekly e-newsletter of the GCM at www.global-campaign.org International HIV/AIDS Toolkit