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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
11:14
Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture
Published on: October 12, 2018
Can microbicides turn the tide against HIV?
Koreen Ramessar1, Maite Sabalza, Bruna Miralpeix
1Departament de Producció Vegetal I Ciència Forestal, Universitat de Lleida, Av. Alcade Rovira Roure, Lleida, Spain.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|November 11, 2009
Summary
New microbicides offer a promising strategy to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission, complementing existing methods. This approach could reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS and the costs associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Drug Development
Background:
- The global impact of human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) continues to rise.
- Traditional prevention strategies like 'safe sex' are insufficient to curb the spread of HIV.
- Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is costly and not a preventative measure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of microbicide development for HIV prevention.
- To examine microbicides based on their mechanisms of action and clinical advancement.
- To consider the socioeconomic factors influencing microbicide adoption and consistent use.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of microbicide research and development.
- Analysis of clinically advanced and early-stage microbicides.
- Evaluation of socioeconomic implications for microbicide implementation.
Main Results:
- Microbicides are topically applied agents designed to disrupt the HIV lifecycle and prevent infection.
- The review covers various microbicides, detailing their mechanisms and progress in clinical trials.
- Socioeconomic impact is a critical determinant of potential widespread use and effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Microbicides represent a vital new strategy for preventing HIV transmission.
- Further development and consideration of socioeconomic factors are crucial for successful microbicide implementation.
- Effective microbicides could significantly impact the trajectory of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic.
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