Population Council Research that makes a difference

Abstract

Pushing the frontiers of science-the Population Council's Microbicide Basic Science Network on vaginal microbicide research (HTML) 
Johansson,Elof D.B.; Maguire,Robin A.; Phillips,David M.
International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics 67(suppl 2): 117-124
Publication date: 1999

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Microbicides are the new frontier of products for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Twelve years ago, scientists realized that existing spermicides had some anti-microbial activity and perhaps could be improved or reformulated with new compounds to provide a complete barrier against STIs. However, the development and successful marketing of an effective, non-toxic, convenient and affordable vaginal microbicide that women can use on a long-term basis hinges on a close collaboration between research institutions and the pharmaceutical industry. The Population Council has recently taken the first step in instituting a multifaceted strategy for the development of a microbicide by establishing the Microbicide Basic Science Network, comprising of scientists with diverse backgrounds and expertise.

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