A one year old press release from FHI mentions what promising candidates scientists are examining in a search for microbicides. It is interesting to see what competition Procept has. Microbicide research cited in the press release included:
1. At the University of Pittsburgh safety and efficacy trials will soon begin on microbicides containing lactobacilli, bacteria that occur naturally in the vagina. Lactobacilli produce hydrogen peroxide, which may prevent the spread of infections. The research will follow 900 women using lactobacilli suppositories for one year.
2. The New York-based Population Council is conducting safety trials amone women using microbicides containing polysaccharides, substances that occur naturally in the human body that coat cells and connective tissue. Shown in laboratory studies to inhibit HIV, these polysaccharides may offer a microbicide that could coat the lining of the vagina with a film that repels HIV and HIV-infected cells.
3. Several organizations, including FHI, are working together to evaluate a buffer gel that would protect against HIV and STDs. Similar to some of the gel agents found in shampoos and soaps, these products would maintain the level of acidity in the vagina, even in the presence of semen, which normally neutralizes the vagina's acidity. Many types of enveloped viruses, including HIV, are incapacitated by acidity.
4. Plant extracts, including cottonseed oil and a tropical tree called neem, are being investigated by the Brazil-based South to South Cooperation in Reproduction Health. Neem, for example, has been shown to have microbicidal properties.
5. Other substances under study include synthetic protegrins, small proteins found in white blood cells that have been whown in inactivate HIV and other STD organisms; C31G, a substance in mouthwash that is microbicidal; N-docosanol, an alcohol that blocks some eveloped viruses; squalamine, a steroid-based compound that may be effective against bacterial and viral STDs; and a modified version of beta-lactoglobulin, a protein found in the dairy product called whey. |
