Topical HIV Virucide Safe And Well Tolerated As Vaginal Gel
CHICAGO, Feb 04 (Reuters) - The virucidal gel, PRO 2000, has passed
another test in its development as a topical agent intended to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV. Data reported at a poster session during the 5th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections indicate that, in healthy volunteers, the vaginal gel can be used for 2 weeks without untoward side effects.
PRO 2000 is related to other antiviral compounds like dextran sulfate, Dr. Albert Profy of Procept, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, told Reuters Health, "...but there are some differences. We've shown in vitro that it suppresses infection by a broad range of HIV isolates." In the study being presented, 36 volunteers received either placebo gel or one of two strengths of PRO 2000, (0.5% or 4%). The women applied the gel once a day for 14 consecutive days.
"The overall findings were that all of the gels were safe and well
tolerated," Dr. Profy said. There was little evidence of inflammation or irritation, and there was no effect on vaginal lactobacilli. The next step being planned is to test safety in sexually active couples. Reassuringly, penile irritation studies in rabbits demonstrated no adverse effects. "Eventually we'll be looking at efficacy in a cohort that has a high rate of HIV transmission," he said.
Given the nature of HIV transmission, could PRO 2000 work as a rectal
application? "We've certainly thought about that," Dr. Profy replied. "It's a bit of a tougher challenge, although we will be looking at rectal safety in animals." His company is also talking to the NIH about doing trials similar to those conducted for rectal safety of nonoxynol-9 spermicides.
|
