IPM is dedicated to the research and development of promising new microbicide candidates and to moving these products into initial safety studies as soon as possible. Every day, nearly 7,000 people are newly infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and approximately 33 million people are now living with HIV, half of them women. There is an urgent need to provide at-risk women with innovative, effective and self-initiated HIV-prevention strategies.

Coordinating Research Efforts for the Global Good

IPM’s research and development efforts focus on next-generation microbicides, and we work closely with both the public and private sectors to expand and advance the pipeline of potential microbicide products. Collaborators include pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, non-profit organizations and academic institutions.

IPM also supports basic science research related to the field of microbicides so that new discoveries in HIV science can be applied to the identification and screening of promising drugs.

Wherever possible, IPM uses existing facilities in its research and development efforts. When using existing infrastructure is not feasible or appropriate, new facilities are built to increase capacity. For example, in 2005 IPM built a manufacturing facility for microbicide formulations in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This clinical trials material facility is capable of manufacturing microbicide gels and rings for safety and expanded safety trials.

To guide its research and development efforts, IPM created a Scientific Advisory Board composed of international experts in the field of microbicides. This Board provides critical guidance on reviewing products and accelerating microbicide development. (View list of members.)

IPM’s research and development efforts focus on “next- generation” microbicides – those specifically active against the HIV virus – and those which contain a combination of active agents.