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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

Fabrication and Characterization of Griffithsin-modified Fiber Scaffolds for Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Fabrication and Characterization of Griffithsin-modified Fiber Scaffolds for Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Published on: October 31, 2017

The future of microbicides.

Rabeea F Omar¹, Michel G Bergeron

¹Infectious Diseases Research Centre and Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval, CHUQ, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, RC-709, Québec, QC, Canada, G1 V 4G2.

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases

|June 28, 2011

Summary

Developing vaginal microbicides is crucial for women's sexual health and protection against HIV and STIs. This review compares broad-spectrum microbicides with targeted antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

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Published on: October 31, 2017

High-throughput Identification of Bacteria Repellent Polymers for Medical Devices

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Published on: November 5, 2016

Area of Science:

Reproductive Health
Infectious Diseases
Pharmacology

Background:

Women face a higher risk of STIs, including HIV, due to anatomical factors and challenges in negotiating condom use.
The urgent need for effective vaginal microbicides stems from the high global burden of STIs (330 million cases annually).
Recent Phase III trial failures have shifted focus towards targeted approaches like antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) for HIV prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare broad-spectrum microbicides with ARV-based Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for STI and HIV prevention.
To review 15 years of microbicide research and discuss future directions.
To address critical considerations before implementing ARVs as a PrEP strategy.

Main Methods:

Comparative analysis of microbicide strategies.
Review of scientific literature and clinical trial outcomes over the past 15 years.
Discussion of the scientific and public health implications of different prevention approaches.

Main Results:

Broad-spectrum microbicides aim for universal protection against various pathogens.
ARV-based PrEP targets only HIV, offering a more specific prevention method.
Significant challenges and considerations remain before widespread adoption of ARV-based PrEP.

Conclusions:

The choice between broad-spectrum microbicides and ARV-based PrEP requires careful evaluation of efficacy, safety, and target pathogens.
Future research should focus on addressing the limitations of current strategies and exploring novel prevention methods.
Empowering women with effective microbicide options is essential for global sexual and reproductive health.