Reflections for 2011: Transforming Hope Into Reality for Women Worldwide

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

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 — as shown in the CAPRISA tenofovir microbicide gel study and the iPrEx oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) study — has put new momentum behind our important work. A variety of publications from Science magazine to Time cited proof-of-concept for ARV-based prevention as a top medical breakthrough for 2010. 

Collectively, efforts are steadily transforming the world’s hope for microbicides and other HIV prevention technologies into a practical reality that can save millions of lives, and offer a better future for women and men everywhere. 

Here at IPM, we continue to celebrate these recent advances and yet we recognize the work that remains to be done. Results of both the CAPRISA and iPrEx trials showed the need for greater adherence (correct and consistent use of the product) to improve effectiveness in preventing HIV. IPM and others therefore continue urgently needed development into additional and longer-acting products that have the promise to improve adherence and efficacy. These include a dapivirine microbicide vaginal ring that could provide protection for a month or longer and monthly injectable PrEP, both of which are a focus for IPM. 

Together with our research partners around the world, IPM ended 2010 having successfully implemented several dapivirine vaginal ring and gel studies in Africa, Europe and the United States as well as two HIV incidence studies in Africa. These clinical trials provide important adherence, safety and acceptability data that continue to lay the foundation for IPM’s first Phase III efficacy program of the dapivirine microbicide ring that will start later this year. 

Our Phase III program will involve thousands of women across more than a dozen research centers in several countries in southern and eastern Africa, where the HIV epidemic has hit hardest.

This year will also see IPM initiate the first clinical trial of a combination microbicide product, the dapivirine-maraviroc vaginal ring, to be conducted in partnership with the National Institutes of Health-funded Microbicide Trials Network (MTN). Additionally, IPM will begin the first dapivirine gel male tolerance study among 48 men in the United States, also in partnership with MTN. IPM and CONRAD will soon be collaborating on tenofovir-dapivirine combination products as well.  

We will also continue our collaboration with Tibotec Pharmaceuticals this year evaluating a long-acting ARV-based PrEP as a monthly injectable formulation of TMC278 (rilpivirine), a highly potent ARV developed by Tibotec.  

IPM has entered the new year alongside our partners, supporters and the global community with renewed optimism fueled by proof-of-concept for ARV-based HIV prevention and the great potential of long-acting products like the dapivirine ring. Our work together will take us from the promise of HIV prevention for women to products that can save millions of lives.

I wish you all a happy, healthy and productive 2011.