Microbicide Progress

The FDA in January gave fast-track review status to VivaGel, a polylysine dendrimer gel that binds to HIV's gp120 protein and attachment to human cells. The gel also may protect against other sexually transmitted diseases. A recent Phase I clinical trial showed it to be safe and well tolerated. The anti-HIV drug Viread, when administered as a microbicide gel to prevent HIV infection, is safe and well tolerated, according to a study of 84 women reported in the journal AIDS. Efficacy tests of the experimental microbicide are underway in New York and India.