Go Top What exactly are microbicides and how soon will an effective one be available?
Microbicides are topical formulations designed to block HIV1 infection when applied vaginally or anally prior to intercourse. They could be delivered in a gel, a cream, or, for example, as a vaginal ring kept in place for a month or more at a time. To be successful, microbicides need to be cheap, stable, and easy to use. Three formulations, each containing a single antiretroviral drug, are already in human trials, testing their safety. Research is also going on to develop microbicides with drug combinations, analogous to the double and triple therapy regimes that have kept many infected people alive and healthy. At the same time, research into innovative ways of delivering these drugs into the vagina or rectum is being carried out. Despite some encouraging signs, challenges do remain. The microbicide field is underfunded (it is estimated that more than US$ 1 billion is needed over the next seven to ten years) and funds that are available are not always used optimally. There is still mu
