Prioritizing multipurpose prevention technology development and investments using a target product profile

Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) represent a powerful opportunity to address the unmet sexual and reproductive health needs of women in at-risk populations around the world in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The development of MPT products for the combination prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (including HIV) is a high-risk/high-gain, expensive process. The associated challenges are compounded by limitations in available resources for the development, evaluation, and delivery of such products. Consequently, an objective process for identifying MPT products with the highest public health impact potential is necessary to serve as the basis of coordinated investment of supporting agencies in the development of such products. Moreover, this process would serve as a framework for product development organizations, guiding their product development strategies. The Scientific Agenda Working Group of the Initiative for Multipurpose Prevention Technologies conducted an MPT pipeline evaluation exercise for the purpose of defining specific MPT product priorities, and to identify MPT technology gaps which need to be addressed in order to achieve development of optimal products. Through a formal and objective process, a set of MPT priority product recommendations emerged, along with several priority MPT gaps. Further, specific MPT development process priorities were identified. The detailed process and summary findings of this exercise are presented here. This article is based on a presentation at the "Product Development Workshop 2013: HIV and Multipurpose Prevention Technologies," held in Arlington, Virginia on February 21-22, 2013. It forms part of a special supplement to Antiviral Research.