title: Vaginal drug delivery systems for HIV prevention.
abstract: Microbicides have become a principal focus for HIV prevention strategies. The successful design of drug delivery systems for vaginal microbicide drug candidates brings with it a multitude of challenges. It is imperative that the chemical and physical characteristics of the drug candidate and its mechanism of action be clearly understood and considered to successfully deliver and target drug candidates efficiently. In addition, an understanding of the dynamic nature of the vaginal environment, the tissue and innate barriers present, as well as patient preferences are critical considerations in the design of effective microbicide products. Although the majority of drug candidates clinically evaluated to date have been delivered using conventional semisolid aqueous-based gel dosage forms, drug delivery system design has recently been extended to include advanced delivery systems such as vaginal rings, quick-dissolve films, and tablets. Ultimately, it may be necessary to develop multiple dosage platforms for a single active agent to provide users with options that can be used within the constraints of their social environment, personal choice, and environmental conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. rohanlc@upmc.edu
authors.forename: Lisa Cencia
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Rohan
authors.forename: Alexandra B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Sassi
mesh_terms: D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000502:physiology; D003274:Contraceptive Devices, Female; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels; D053758:Nanoparticles; D009824:Ointments; D013607:Tablets; D014621:Vagina / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D020100:Hydrogels; D009824:Ointments; D013607:Tablets