title: A new model for collaboration: the alliance for microbicide development.
abstract: Vaginal microbicides for preventing sexually-transmitted infection and/or conception are a novel, much needed technology, yet not seen by industry as having attractive market potential. Nor is the public sector acting with the urgency, priority, and investment that would compensate for lack of private financing, shape the necessary basic and applied research agendas, and spur the dedicated development crucial to advancing this field. The Alliance for Microbicide Development was constituted through a Rockefeller Foundation grant to advocate for and educate about microbicide development, track and communicate product development and regulatory status, contribute to enhanced efficiency in preclinical and clinical processes and, later, help establish a base for matching funds to support combination and comparative studies. After 1 year of existence, the Alliance has proved its value as an innovative collaborative model, having generated and catalyzed a large volume of activity towards its objectives in all priority areas identified by its members.
authors.affiliation: Alliance for Microbicide Development, Takoma Park, MD, USA.
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Harrison
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004345:Drug Industry; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D017149:Private Sector; D016730:Program Development; D011640:Public Policy; D017150:Public Sector; D012106:Research; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016387:Women's Health
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents