Journal of the International AIDS Society Blog
Key Findings Presented at the International Microbicides Conference 2010
MICROBICIDES 2010: Building Bridges in HIV Prevention
Pittsburgh
Microbicides are topical products in development to prevent HIV. To learn more about microbicides visit Global Campaign for Microbicides.
The 2010 Microbicides Conference focused on a broader range of prevention strategies than ever before, including vaginal and rectal microbicides and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)—the use of anti-retrovirals (ARVs) by HIV-negative people to prevent infection.
The first day of the conference featured surprising new findings on HIV and pregnancy. A new study by the Partners in Prevention HSV/HIV Transmission Study team showed that the risk of HIV transmission during sex doubles for men with HIV-positive partners if that partner is pregnant.
Researchers also announced new compounds under investigation for the use as microbicides, including products containing newer classes of ARVS such as integrase inhibitors and CCR5 inhibitors.
Promising new microbicide formulations, such as long-lasting vaginal rings, easy-to-use vaginal films, and dissolvable tablets, were presented. One study showed that a vaginal ring could deliver a combination of two ARVs, dapivirine and maraviroc, at therapeutic levels for up to 30 days.
But scientists also sounded a note of caution about ARV-based prevention. Results of two separate studies, one based on mathematical models and the other on laboratory tests, indicated that using ARVs for prevention could lead to drug resistance if people do not know their HIV status. Investigators emphasized that this should not discourage the use of ARV-based prevention, but instead highlights the need for regular HIV testing.
New findings showed that some lubricants may actually increase the risk of HIV transmission for receptive male and female partners during anal sex.
Please follow this link for updates and press releases from M2010.
Posted by Rose-Marie Neuenschwander at 15:28 Comments (0)