Topical microbicides: the time has come.
Microbicides are vaginally or rectally applied drugs that inhibit HIV and other sexually transmitted pathogens. About 30 microbicidal products are being studied in preclinical and clinical trials. Data from in vitro, animal, and in vivo investigations with candidate microbicidal compounds support a proof of concept, although large-scale clinical trials will determine efficacy. Because there are multiple targets for HIV infection in the genital tract, synergistic combinations of microbicides will probably offer the greatest protection for non-HIV-infected persons and might decrease transmissibility when used by those infected with HIV.
Division of Infectious Disease, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA.
Darpun
D
Dhawan
Marla
M
Keller
Mary E
ME
Klotman
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008251:Macaca; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local