title: Future strategies in microbicide development.
abstract: The reduction in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in women demonstrated by pericoital use of tenofovir gel has encouraged the continued development of microbicides. Novel approaches include new ways to deliver tenofovir, as well as products that contain different antiretroviral drugs, either as single agents or as combinations of antiretroviral drugs. Indeed, emphasis has renewed on the development of multipurpose prevention technologies, products designed to address multiple sexually transmitted infections. Dual-purpose contraceptive antiretroviral products are also being designed to prevent HIV and pregnancy. Since consistent and correct use of these products will be critical to their effectiveness, the active pharmaceutical ingredients must be delivered in acceptable vaginal dosage forms, such as gels, films and sustained-release vaginal rings. The development of different dosage forms will help ensure that women can find a method to protect themselves from HIV, pregnancy, and potentially other sexually transmitted infections.
authors.affiliation: International Partnership for Microbicides, 8401 Colesville Road, Suite 200, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA. zrosenberg@ipmglobal.org
authors.forename: Zeda F
authors.initials: ZF
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
authors.forename: Brid
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Devlin
mesh_terms: D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D003274:Contraceptive Devices, Female; D015507:Drugs, Investigational; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006678:HIV; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D015507:Drugs, Investigational