By Sanda Chongo Kabange
Results of an advanced clinical trial of an antiretroviral-based microbicide candidate have been announced at the on-going International AIDS Conference in Vienna, Austria.
The CAPRISA 004 trial, which tested the safety and effectiveness of 1% tenofovir gel among nearly 900 women at two sites in South Africa, found that using the gel before and after sex provided moderate protection against sexually transmitted HIV.
Global Campaign for Microbicides director Yasmin Halima remarked, “This is an important day. We now have evidence that a vaginal gel can help prevent HIV. This is good news for women, good news for the field, and a good day for science. Today’s news energizes the field. We hope it urges others to support the expansion of programs for developing topical HIV-prevention products. Globally, millions remain at risk of HIV, and yet to date, there are few options to prevent infection, especially for women.”
Halima added, “While we pause to mark this important milestone, we can’t afford to idle,” she said. “We must keep up the momentum. We won’t rest until there are tools for HIV prevention in women’s hands. With the support of donors, governments, scientists, and communities working together, the HIV-prevention field can accelerate efforts to halt the pandemic, focusing on the world’s most vulnerable people. Today’s news brings us one step closer to that brighter future.”
About five months ago, Zambia fumed after another microbicide gel, PRO2000 failed to prove that it could prevent HIV infections among women.
Over 30 volunteers that took part in the PRO2000 microbicide gel contracted HIV.