ARVs in microbicide research - keeping hope alive?

from IRIN

After a string of depressing trial results, the fourth international microbicides conference in New Delhi, India, kicked off this week with a ray of hope that new research could deliver a new generation of HIV prevention approaches for women.

It has been a disappointing year for scientists and activists. First, there was the early closure of clinical trials using a cellulose sulphate-based microbicide, after preliminary findings indicated higher HIV infections among the trial group.

Then came last week's announcement from the US-based reproductive health organisation, Population Council, that Carraguard - the first microbicide to complete the advanced stage of clinical testing - had failed to prevent HIV infection.

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