PROJECT
Clinical Studies: PC-815  

The next-generation microbicide PC-815 is a combination of the Population Council’s microbicide candidate, Carraguard®, and the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor MIV-150. This dual formulation provides PC-815 with two different ways to block HIV, enhancing its ability to prevent infections. In a joint venture, Medivir AB and the Chiron Corporation originally developed MIV-150 as an oral treatment drug, but poor absorption made it inappropriate for oral use. This same characteristic, however, makes MIV-150 an ideal candidate for a topical microbicide.

In 2003, Medivir/Chiron granted the Population Council exclusive licensing rights to MIV-150. Extensive toxicology studies have demonstrated that MIV-150 is safe for human use, and laboratory studies have shown MIV-150 to be effective at extremely low concentrations. Carraguard has been studied extensively in the lab and in humans, and has been shown to be safe for vaginal use. Therefore the combination of MIV-150 and Carraguard in PC-815 is expected to be safe as well. Future studies are being planned.

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Population Council researchers

Robin Maguire, Sumen Govender

Non-Council collaborators

Vivien Brache (Asociación Dominicana Pro-Bienestar de la Familia)

Khatija Ahmed (Setshaba Research Center, University of Limpopo/Medunsa campus)

Donors

Swedish International Development Agency

Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

US Agency for International Development
 

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Related Project

• Nonclinical Laboratory Studies: PC-710

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