NIH's Fauci Discusses Research On Microbicidal Gel, HIV Prevention

Main Category: HIV / AIDS
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology;  Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 27 Jul 2010 - 2:00 PDT

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Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at NIH, hailed the development of a microbicidal gel that has shown promise in combating HIV infection in clinical tests, but said that scientists "must continue to pursue a range of HIV prevention modalitites," CQ HealthBeat reports.

A recent study in South Africa found that a vaginal microbicidal gel significantly reduced women's risk of contracting HIV. Women can apply the gel before or after sexual intercourse if a sex partner refuses to use a condom.

The study proves that an antiretroviral drug can be effectively formulated into a gel, Fauci said. "Given that women make up the majority of new HIV infections throughout the world, this finding is an important step toward empowering an at-risk population with a safe and effective HIV prevention tool," he added. Because "no one approach will be appropriate or acceptable to all," scientists also must continue to pursue development of vaccines and the use of antiretrovirals as preventive measures, Fauci said.

An NIAID study launched last fall is expected to enroll 5,000 women in four southern African countries to "provide additional safety and effectiveness data" on the gel and "offer some insight as to the gel's acceptability as a product used once a day rather than one that is used before and after sexual intercourse," according to Fauci (Reichard, CQ HealthBeat, 7/22).

Obama, Sec. Clinton Pledge U.S. Support in Global Fight

During the close of the XVIII International AIDS Conference in Vienna on Friday, President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the U.S. is committed to the global fight against HIV/AIDS and will lead efforts for a sustainable and effective response, the AP/Washington Post reports. The July 2012 International AIDS Conference is scheduled to be held in Washington, D.C.

In a prerecorded video, Obama said, "Ending this pandemic won't be easy, and it won't happen overnight." He added, "But thanks to you, we've come a long way and the United States is committed to continuing that progress." Clinton said in the video that the U.S. supports efforts toward universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care, adding that health care is a human right. "As we push to expand access to these resources, the United States will continue to work with our partner countries and with civil society to help empower citizens to lead the charge in their own countries," he said (Oleksyn, AP/Washington Post, 7/23).

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