Reflections for 2012: A Message from IPM CEO Dr. Zeda Rosenberg

by Dr. Zeda Rosenberg, chief executive officer, International Partnership for Microbicides

As 2012 begins, I would like to reflect on what 2011 meant for IPM, HIV prevention and women’s health — and look ahead to our plans for the coming year.

In the past year, we learned more about the enormous potential of antiretroviral (ARV)-based prevention to reduce HIV transmission. We also saw important steps made in vaccine development. Continued investment in R&D is essential to fulfill the promises made by recent advancements. With sustained research, we can build on the field’s progress by developing safe and effective microbicides that meet women’s needs, and ultimately, help bring an end to the epidemic.

We also learned that it is especially important for the HIV prevention and family planning communities to work together. Research suggesting a possible link between hormonal contraception and HIV risk reminded us to look at the spectrum of women’s health needs so we can develop products that work in tandem to improve health outcomes for women, especially those at high risk for both HIV and unplanned pregnancy.

This year, IPM will launch a licensure program for our most advanced product, the long-acting microbicide ring. IPM’s ring technology is designed to slowly release the ARV drug dapivirine to provide women with monthly protection against HIV. Conducted in partnership with the NIH-funded Microbicide Trials Network, the licensure program will include two efficacy trials, and collect long-term and other safety data, with results expected in 2015.

IPM is also expanding its work into multipurpose technologies. In 2011, the US Agency for International Development awarded IPM a five-year grant to develop a 60-day dual-purpose vaginal ring that would combine dapivirine with a contraceptive to offer women both HIV protection and contraception in a single product.

Other work at IPM includes a long-acting ring that combines two ARVs, which is currently being tested in a clinical safety trial conducted by MTN, and which will yield results this year. This is the first combination ARV product to enter clinical trials and the first microbicide to contain the ARV maraviroc. In addition, we are optimistic that we will have the opportunity to consider other pipeline work in the coming year.

IPM also celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. We continue to be inspired by our mission to empower women around the world with novel technologies they can use to protect their health. And we begin this year as dedicated and optimistic as ever about working with all of you to develop products that will help transform the world’s approach to HIV prevention.

I wish you all a healthy, happy and productive 2012.