title: Pushing the frontiers of science--the Population Council's Microbicide Basic Science Network on vaginal microbicide research.
abstract: Microbicides are the new frontier of products for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Twelve years ago, scientists realized that existing spermicides had some anti-microbial activity and perhaps could be improved or reformulated with new compounds to provide a complete barrier against STIs. However, the development and successful marketing of an effective, non-toxic, convenient and affordable vaginal microbicide that women can use on a long-term basis hinges on a close collaboration between research institutions and the pharmaceutical industry. The Population Council has recently taken the first step in instituting a multifaceted strategy for the development of a microbicide by establishing the Microbicide Basic Science Network, comprising of scientists with diverse backgrounds and expertize.
authors.affiliation: The Population Council, New York, NY, USA. y-o'neal@popcbr.rockefeller.edu
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Johansson
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Maguire
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Phillips
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004345:Drug Industry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017149:Private Sector; D012109:Research Support as Topic; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies; D016387:Women's Health
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies