Something wierd has been going on for awhile, now. I'm not this listserve that is very heavy on HIV researchers and prevention workers, and the research into microbicides has been a hot topic for a couple years now. Yet I read almost nothing about it in the popular press. I'm perplexed.
Human Trials of New Anti-HIV Gels Announced
LONDON (Reuters) - British scientists are planning large-scale human trials of two new gels designed to prevent men and women from being infected with the virus that causes AIDS.
The gels, or microbicides, act like an invisible condom and could offer added protection against the virus that has infected 40 million people worldwide.
AIDS experts estimate that even a partially effective microbicide could prevent 2.5 million deaths from AIDS over three years.
Condoms are the best method to prevent HIV infection but not everyone uses them. . . .
"We need a product that women and men find culturally and personally acceptable, as well as free or at very low cost," Robin Gorna, of Britain's Department for International Development, told a news conference.
Sixty microbicide products are under development worldwide and 14 are already in clinical trials. Britain's Microbicide Development program, which is backed by the DFID, plans to begin human trials of two vaginal microbicides -- Pro-2000 and Emmelle, which is being developed by the British company ML Laboratories Plc.
The trials will enable researchers to see whether the products, which have proven effective in laboratory and animal studies, prevent infection in humans. . . .
"Even if the products are partially effective, at the level of 40, 50 or 60 percent, they could still have a major public health impact," said Professor Janet Darbyshire of the Medical Research Council, who is working on the project.
Forty to 60 percent reduction? That would be incredible. And so much less invasive than a condom. Why so few little peeps about this?
Dutton (Penguin) in early 2009. 
