Microbicides

Microbicides are substances that will potentially help prevent the transmission of HIV and other STIs when applied either to the vagina or rectum. Expected to be delivered as creams or gels, they may eventually be included in cervical rings or caps, sponges, and diaphragms. They would prevent transmission of disease by killing or inactivating the pathogens, by creating physical barriers, by interfering with entry of the virus to the target cell, by preventing replication once the virus has entered the cell, or by boosting the vagina’s natural defences.

Microbicides are a form of New Prevention Technology (NPT) intended to accompany existing education programs, awareness campaigns and male and female condoms. While microbicides are not yet available, they could have a positive impact on reducing the risk of HIV transmission. Their development represents a much needed female-controlled prevention tool.

As a strong proponent of research into microbicides and new prevention technologies, CAS has coordinated the Steering Committee which developed the Canada Microbicide Action Plan (CMAP). The CMAP is the result of a collaborative process that involved researchers, government, industry and the community.

Members who wish to inform themselves about this new prevention technology are invited to join CAS' working group on microbicides MAGNET.

• New Prevention Technologies Updates

• Rectal Microbicide Advocates Call for Five-fold Funding Increase

• New Prevention Technologies Background

• Canadian Rectal Microbicides Working Group

• Canadian Plans on New Prevention Technologies

• Microbicide Awareness

• Women and HIV: Prevention

• Webinar Series: New HIV prevention technologies and their implications for HIV prevention in Canada

• Lemon and Lime Juice as Potential Microbicides: Questions and Cautions

• Microbicides (October 2004)

• Nonoxynol-9 (January 2003)

• Canadian Microbicides Action Plan

• Microbicides 2008 Conference Update : Striving Towards HIV Prevention

• HIV Transmission Guidelines for Assessing Risk

• Integrating International Perspectives in the Community-based AIDS Movement in Canada: The International Toolkit

• Community Mobilization Kit - Microbicides: A Female-Controlled Method of Preventing HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases

• Framework Document - New HIV Prevention Technologies: Regulatory, Policy, Programming and Research Implications for Canada