Microbicides for preventing transmission of genital herpes.
Available technologies for preventing sexual transmission of genital herpes infection are limited. This article focuses on the ongoing development of a new technology, topical microbicides, for preventing sexually transmitted infection. Recent data evaluating detergent-based spermicides as potential microbicides are reviewed. The first generation of broad-spectrum, non-detergent microbicides that are currently in clinical development, including the sulphated polymer-based inhibitors and acid buffers, are discussed. Finally, the potential of monoclonal antibodies as an example of a specific microbicide in late pre-clinical development is considered.
Zeitlin
Larry
L
Epicyte Pharmaceutical, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
Whaley
Kevin J
KJ
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D023421:Models, Animal; D017137:Nonoxynol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000187:drug effects; D013045:Species Specificity; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents; D017137:Nonoxynol