For more information, contact
Carole Mahoney
mailto:[email protected]
Tel: +1-202-797-0007

Related documents:
Microbicides: Global Facts and Figures
http://www.planetwire.org/wrap/files.fcgi/2289_microbicides.htm

Microbicides: 4-page Fact Sheet:
http://www.planetwire.org/wrap/files.fcgi/2290_microbicides2.htm

Microbicides: Executive Summary:
http://www.planetwire.org/files.fcgi/2291_microbicidesExec.pdf

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February 12 - A woman-focused method to prevent HIV/AIDS and other
sexually transmitted infections can be available by 2007, according
to a series of reports by the Rockefeller Foundation-funded Initia-
tive on Microbicides. "We have the science and the road map, now we
need the political will to fund this effort," said Geeta Rao Gupta,
President of the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW),
one of several groups participating in the Initiative.

Microbicides are substances that can kill, inactivate or block the
HIV virus, and a range of viral and bacterial agents that cause other
sexually transmitted infections. Microbicides would provide a unique
advantage to a woman-she can control their use. A woman can apply
them vaginally or rectally to protect herself and her partner. Cur-
rent techniques to prevent HIV exposure - condom use, monogamy, re-
ducing the number of partners, and treatment of other sexually trans-
mitted diseases - often are not feasible or available for women. Many
women face cultural barriers that prevent them from requiring their
partners to use condoms, as well as cultural and economic barriers to
securing other types of protection and treatment. Meanwhile, nearly
six of every 10 new HIV infections occur in women.

The Initiative brought together experts in scientific research, prod-
uct development, public health, economics and advocacy, to help bring
to market this critical health technology that women worldwide are
demanding as they cope with staggering levels of HIV/AIDS infection.
The results are five fact-based studies that detail: A scientific
plan for accelerating development; ·A pharmaco-economics study of the
potential market size and the expected return on investment; An as-
sessment of the public health impact;·A framework to ensure access to
the products;·A plan of action for microbicide advocacy.

"The development of a safe, effective microbicide would represent the
most significant advance in women's reproductive health since the
Pill. There are only a handful of problems in the world where lack of
money is the true barrier to progress. This is one of them," said
Lori Heise, Director of the Global Campaign for Microbicides, also a
participant. The groups released scientific and public health impact
findings at a briefing on February 12, at the National Press Club in
Washington, DC. According to the findings, immediate development of
microbicides can provide the best response to this reality. Over 100
organizations worldwide have joined forces in a global campaign de-
signed to build support for increased investment in women-controlled
methods of HIV prevention. For the most part, microbicides have been
developed by independent researchers and small bio-tech firms, as the
initial return on investment is not attractive to larger medical de-
vice or pharmaceutical R&D companies.

Eleven microbicide candidate products have shown sufficient promise
to be approved for human testing in clinical trials. (Dozens more
await further laboratory testing) Three are slated to begin Phase 3
clinical trials in 2002. Phase 3 trials involve large scale studies
in the field with volunteers to test for product safety and effec-
tiveness. Depending on trial outcomes and adequate funding it is
likely that one or more of these products could come to market by
2007.

"Microbicide development has made great progress against great odds
and is ready to take a major leap forward," said Polly Harrison, Di-
rector of the Alliance for Microbicide Development. "Now what we need
is the kind of steady, well-directed investment that can make the
most of that opportunity." "Microbicides will offer a better chance
of survival for women, especially poor women in developing countries,
who are disproportionately at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS," said Dr.
George Brown, Associate Director of the Rockefeller Foundation's
Health Equity Program. "Yet the very future of these women-and the
children they may bear-depends on our political will, and our urgent
and wise investment today."

--
Cecilia Snyder - Senior Project Associate - CCMC
mailto:[email protected]
http://www.PLANetWIRE.org

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