Large scale human trial of anti-AIDS gel in Africa

Main Category: HIV / AIDS
Article Date: 27 Mar 2004 - 0:00 PDT

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British scientists are going to carry out large scale human trials on two gels that are designed to combat the AIDS virus. The trials will be carried out in Africa. If successful, tens of millions of people around the globe will soon be able to protect themselves from HIV with a simple and easy to apply dosage.

Currently, 60 gels are undergoing trials in 14 different studies around the world. The gels are known as microbicides.

According to Hilary Benn, UK International Development Secretary, women may be the ones with the most to gain from this.

Laboratory trials have been successful. Clinical tests will be carried out in South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda and Cameroon. 12,000 women will be involved in the trial.

If all goes well, the gels could be on the market within the next six years (end of decade). 2.5 million lives may be saved in three years.

The microbicides could provide a barrier to the transmission of the HIV virus during sex. They were developed by the Medical Research Council and Imperial College, London (both UK). The UK government invested £17 in the research.

Even if the gels do work, it will still be an uphill struggle to bring the drugs within the price range of some of the poorest people in the world. Getting the drugs to people who need it the most will not be easy either.

The woman applies the gels (or creams) internally before sex. The gel stops the virus from entering her body.

Of the 40 million people in the world who are HIV positive, a large number got the virus because they were not able to protect themselves.

Many women in poorer countries find it hard to persuade their partners to wear a condom.

There are three ways the gels can work, by…

1. …..killing the virus before it enters the body.

2. …..preventing it from taking hold once inside the body.

3. …..creating a barrier to stop it from entering the body in the first place.

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