International Women’s Day: HIV Prevention Tools for Women Ever Closer

Statement from Dr. Zeda Rosenberg, CEO, International Partnership for Microbicides

SILVER SPRING, Md. (March 8, 2011) — Since the first International Women’s Day was celebrated 100 years ago, women across the globe have broken down social barriers, spread peace through diplomacy, and led major scientific discoveries. Still, in 2011, women’s ability to thrive — to support their families, local communities and countries — is being threatened by a relentless foe: HIV/AIDS.

The past year was truly a turning point for the HIV prevention field, and 2011 promises to build on recent advancements. Growing evidence showing the potential of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) to prevent HIV transmission — either topically as a microbicide gel or orally as a pill — has put new momentum behind HIV prevention research and strengthens our resolve to provide women with a choice of tools they can use to protect themselves and their families.

In the wake of this exciting scientific news, this International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to recognize and celebrate the women around the world who volunteer to participate in HIV prevention trials. Without their contributions, we never could have made it this far.

Building on important milestones in HIV research, the International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM) will be initiating new clinical trials in 2011. A long-acting vaginal ring containing the ARV drug dapivirine is now entering a Phase III program to test its safety and efficacy. We will be working closely with our research center partners, among many others, in this first evaluation of a microbicide that could ultimately provide women with HIV protection for a month or longer.

In collaboration with the Microbicide Trials Network, IPM also plans to initiate the first-ever clinical safety trial of a vaginal ring containing two ARVs. Since drug combinations have proven much more effective for HIV/AIDS treatment than regimens that contain a single drug, microbicides based on a combination of ARVs that act via complementary mechanisms may maximize their protective effect.

Success in delivering new HIV prevention to women who need it most will require innovative research coupled with sustained leadership and commitment to women’s health. Today we celebrate a unique time in history when we could be on the brink of turning the promise of ARV-based HIV prevention into a reality. Once proven safe and effective, these new HIV prevention tools will help remove the heavy burden HIV places on women’s lives.


Contacts:

Larry Miller (Global), lmiller@ipmglobal.org, +1 301 608 4267
Leonard Solai (Africa), lsolai@ipmglobal.org, +27 (84) 660 6776
Holly Seltzer (US), hseltzer@ipmglobal.org, +1 301 608 4267


About IPM:

 IPM is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing microbicides and other innovative HIV prevention products for women in developing countries. IPM has offices in the United States, South Africa and Belgium. Please visit www.IPMglobal.org.