A Rectal Microbicide Could Significantly Reduce HIV Transmission

Posted on 17 November 2011

 

LOS ANGELES, CA – A topically applied microbicide gel containing a potent anti-HIV drug has been found to significantly reduce infection when applied to rectal tissue that was subsequently exposed to HIV in the laboratory, according to a new study by the UCLA AIDS Institute. The gel was also found to be safe and acceptable to users.

The trial represents the first use of this novel approach to obtain early insights into the drug’s potential to prevent real-life infections during sexual exposure. In addition, it represents an important contribution to efforts aimed at strategically preventing HIV transmission during receptive anal intercourse.

Until now, microbicide clinical trials have focused on vaginal transmission. These trials have had successful results in the past year, after nearly a decade of disappointment. The development of a microbicide prevention gel for rectal application has only been under way for the past five to six years.

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