Population Council Research that makes a difference

Trial Finds Microbicide Ineffective as
HIV Prevention Method for Women

NEW YORK, NY (14 December 2009) — The Population Council is disappointed that the microbicide candidate PRO 2000 was not shown to be effective. We applaud the Microbicides Development Programme; the researchers in four countries who conducted and completed the largest microbicide trial to date; and the 9,385 volunteers who made it possible. It is encouraging that these results confirm the safety of PRO 2000. The biomedical and behavioral information generated by this trial will advance the field and inform future research.

We continue to believe that microbicide development is an essential, achievable objective. An effective vaginal microbicide would increase women’s prevention options, saving lives and slowing the progress of the AIDS epidemic.

Because no one product can meet the needs of everyone, those of us working in HIV prevention will continue to develop products and test approaches to expand the means for women and men to protect themselves.

The Population Council is committed to developing a range of microbicides as part of our comprehensive approach to HIV prevention, support, and treatment.

See also

• Fact sheet: "The Population Council, HIV and AIDS, and microbicides" (2009) (PDFs: A4, letter)

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The Population Council confronts critical health and development issues—from stopping the spread of HIV to improving reproductive health and ensuring that young people lead full and productive lives. Through biomedical, social science, and public health research in 50 countries, we work with our partners to deliver solutions that lead to more effective policies, programs, and technologies that improve lives around the world. Established in 1952 and headquartered in New York, the Council is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization governed by an international board of trustees.

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Media contact

Diane Rubino: drubino@popcouncil.org; +1 212 339 0617