Microbicides research and the woman's perspective.

PIP: Researchers who are working to develop microbicides against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are soliciting women's views to ensure the new technology meets the needs of women. Women will be involved in the implementation of clinical trials, and the introduction of the method into family planning and reproductive health programs. Researchers estimate it will be 7-10 years before microbicides are approved for widespread use. Microbicides may offer a non-contraceptive female-controlled barrier method to protect against acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection by blocking STD bacteria or viruses. It might be contained in a gel or a film that is inserted into the vagina. A modified formulation might offer contraceptive protection as well. The Population Council is working collaboratively with the International Women's Health Coalition (IWHC) and the Pacific Institute for Women's Health to ascertain women's perspectives on the subject. The research will be driven by women's needs, rather than by scientific discovery. A meeting of women's health advocates and scientists was held in 1994, and women's groups will be involved in later stages. The Population Council plans Phase I clinical trials of a noncontraceptive microbicide in the United States, Finland, Chile, Australia, and the Dominican Republic, according to Amparo Claro, coordinator of the Latin American and Caribbean Women's Health Network in Chile and one of the health advocates working with the Population Council. A second study, which will use focus groups and interviews to determine women's preferences for microbicide formulations (films, vaginal inserts, or gels), will be conducted in the Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe, Thailand, and the United States.

PMID: 12290466 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]