Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Use of the Soft-agar Overlay Technique to Screen for Bacterially Produced Inhibitory Compounds
Published on: January 14, 2017
Carrageenan/MIV-150 (PC-815), a combination microbicide
José A Fernández-Romero1, Mitchell Thorn, Stuart G Turville
1Population Council, New York, NY, USA.
Objective:
The objective of this article is to study the effect of PC-815, a novel combination microbicide containing carrageenan and the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) MIV-150, in blocking HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections in vitro as compared with Carraguard alone.
Goal:
The goal of this study was to develop a combination microbicide that is more efficacious than Carraguard against HIV-1 and HIV-2.
Study Design:
The microtiter syncytial assay was used to evaluate: 1) the antiviral and virucidal activity of MIV-150 against HIV-1MN; 2) the additive effect of MIV-150 when combined with carrageenan; and 3) a possible interference of seminal fluid in the antiviral activity of these compounds.
Results:
MIV-150 effectively inactivated free virus. Combination of MIV-150 and Carraguard demonstrated an additive antiviral effect. Seminal fluid had no effect on the antiviral activity of MIV-150 or Carraguard. The average concentration that blocks 50% of infection (EC50) for PC-815 was approximately 10 times stronger than Carraguard for the different clinical isolates used in the study.
Conclusion:
Theoretically, PC-815 is likely to be a more efficacious microbicide than Carraguard.
Insights
The novel microbicide PC-815, combining carrageenan and MIV-150, shows enhanced efficacy against HIV-1 and HIV-2 compared to Carraguard alone in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Developing effective microbicides is crucial for HIV prevention.
- Carraguard is a known microbicide, but improved efficacy is desired.
- Novel combinations aim to enhance protection against HIV-1 and HIV-2.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro efficacy of PC-815, a novel microbicide.
- To compare PC-815 (carrageenan + MIV-150) with Carraguard alone.
- To assess the impact of seminal fluid on microbicide activity.
Main Methods:
- Microtiter syncytial assay used for evaluation.
- Assessed antiviral and virucidal activity of MIV-150.
- Investigated additive effects and seminal fluid interference.
Main Results:
- MIV-150 demonstrated effective inactivation of free HIV.
- PC-815 showed an additive antiviral effect.
- PC-815 was approximately 10 times more potent than Carraguard (EC50).
- Seminal fluid did not affect the antiviral activity.
Conclusions:
- PC-815 is theoretically more efficacious than Carraguard.
- The combination microbicide PC-815 shows promise for HIV prevention.
