Population Council Research that makes a difference

Microbicides from A to Z

New data on topics from "Acceptability" to "Zinc" at International Microbicides Conference reflect Population Council’s comprehensive research

NEW YORK, NY (20 May 2010) — Population Council researchers will report new biomedical, behavioral, and social science findings at the 2010 International Microbicides Conference (M2010), to be held 22–25 May in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Council staff will share insights about microbicide candidates, including a non-antiretroviral (ARV) zinc compound, ARVs in carrageenan-based gels, and a vaginal ring delivery system; behavioral studies of cultural norms and product acceptability, the rights of HIV-positive women, and the protection strategies of adolescent girls; and advancements to improve the accuracy of participant reporting and data collection in clinical trials.

In working toward a safe, effective, acceptable, and accessible microbicide, Population Council researchers ask themselves many difficult questions. Meeting attendees can join Council staff in the discussion of these queries:

• What vaginal ring design optimizes protection and user satisfaction?
• Who uses a microbicide? Who doesn't?
• Are the gels being tested vaginally also protective against rectal infection?
• Do personal lubricants protect against infection?
• Are there ways to help trial participants truthfully, privately, and easily discuss their sex lives and whether they used a product "as directed"?

Conference attendees are also invited to a Night at the Movies, a screening of Hope Against HIV: Microbicide Trials in Your Community (Sunday, 23 May, 8–9:30 PM, at the Westin Convention Center’s Pennsylvania Ballroom). This new educational video developed by the Population Council and the International Partnership for Microbicides is designed to answer commonly asked questions about microbicide research taking place in Africa and across the globe.

Microbicides 2010 is the sixth biennial gathering of the only conference devoted exclusively to microbicides research. The event is expected to draw 1,500 scientists and advocates from around the world.

Additional information and a schedule of staff presentations and poster discussions are online at www.popcouncil.org/2010Microbicides.

Please note that discussions of microbicide research are subject to the Microbicides 2010 embargo guidelines.

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About the Population Council
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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