Population Council Research that makes a difference

Banner Photo: Group of men and women outside a small building

New HIV prevention methods are urgently needed; worldwide, 2.7 million individuals are infected each year. User-controlled prevention methods called microbicides will allow women and men to protect themselves from HIV as well as other sexually transmitted infections.

Today, Council researchers are developing vaginal and rectal microbicides that will allow heterosexual couples and men who have sex with men to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. In addition, the Council is developing combined microbicide/contraceptive products, which also provide protection against unintended pregnancy.

Developing solutions

The Council's comprehensive approach to microbicides development comprises all aspects of research, from the laboratory to the field, product introduction, and public education.

In the lab, the current product pipeline includes next-generation gels formulated in carrageenan (CG; a natural polymer obtained from seaweed) as well as other natural and man-made polymers that contain one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients and can be used independently of coitus. Researchers are also developing vaginal rings that remain in place for 1–3 months for long-acting delivery of anti-HIV and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) compounds.

Complementary social science and behavioral research seeks to increase adherence to product use, improve reporting of adherence and sensitive behaviors that have an impact on study outcomes, identify more effective methods for recruiting the most appropriate study populations, and improve the informed consent process.

Current Population Council work includes:

    • Basic science research (since 1989) on the sexual transmission of HIV and screening compounds for potential microbicidal activity. The dendritic cell, a type of white blood cell, plays a critical role in driving HIV infection in T cells. Novel strategies are being tested in vitro and in vivo for their ability to suppress dendritic cell-driven virus growth.
    • Collaborating with other groups to develop and test innovative ways to objectively validate reporting of adherence to study products (e.g., rapid stain identification of human semen, dye stain assays, and Wisebag™) and to improve reporting (e.g., using audio computer-assisted self-interviewing [ACASI)] and interactive voice response surveys).
    • Examining the use of alternative recruitment strategies for enrolling clinical trial participants who are highly motivated to follow the protocol and who are representative of the women who might eventually use the product.
    • Partnering with organizations to develop an educational video to inform communities, potential participants, advocates, and clinical trial staff about rectal microbicide clinical trials.
    • Creating a database of field-tested translations of terms used in clinical trials to ensure consistency among trials.

Making an impact

Council research has contributed to advances in the laboratory and the field:

    • The Council conceived, developed, and tested Carraguard®, an aqueous gel containing CG. Carraguard was the first microbicide candidate to complete a Phase 3 microbicide efficacy clinical trial among a general population of women as planned and with no safety concerns.
    • Preclinical research by the Council determined that MIV-150 (an enzyme inhibitor developed by Medivir that prevents HIV-infected cells from producing new virus) combined with zinc acetate (ZA, an antiviral agent with activity against HIV and HSV) in a CG gel significantly reduces vaginal infection of macaques for up to 24 hours after gel application. The gel is advancing into clinical testing. Zinc-containing gels have also been shown to be highly effective at preventing vaginal and rectal infection of mice with HSV-2.
    • The Council also provided the first proof-of-concept data that MIV-150 delivered in a vaginal ring can prevent immunodeficiency virus infection of macaques, setting the stage to further develop a MIV-150/ZA ring.
    • The Council developed and validated a dye stain assay using biomarkers to confirm whether a microbicide applicator has been used by study participants—providing an objective measure of adherence in addition to self-reports.  
    • The Council recently completed a placebo microbicide trial, which provided important information on how to effectively recruit trial participants that will be used in future clinical trials.

Future directions

Council staff will continue to conduct basic research in immunology and make efforts to develop and introduce a safe and effective microbicide. Researchers will advance lead microbicide formulations, MIV-150/ZA/CG (gel), ZA/CG (gel), and MIV-150/ZA (ring) through final preclinical testing into clinical testing and continue to investigate novel ways to deliver MIV-150, zinc, and other agents. The Council has initiated research on combined microbicide/contraceptive gels and rings capitalizing on the Council's progress with contraceptive design and introduction. Council staff are also conducting additional studies aimed at improving methodology for future clinical trials.

Projects

Audio Computer-assisted Self-interviewing (ACASI) (more)
Population Council researchers and information technology specialists have developed software for interviewees responding to sensitive questions.
(1/1999 - ongoing)
Global

Audio Computer-assisted Self-interviewing (ACASI) and Microbicides (more)
Council researchers are using ACASI to conduct behavioral and social science research about microbicides.
(1/2006 - ongoing)
Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, United States, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Nonclinical Laboratory Studies: Microbicide Formulation and Delivery (more)
Population Council laboratory scientists are developing vaginal rings and water-based gels to deliver microbicide formulations.
(1/2004 - ongoing)
United States

Nonclinical Laboratory Studies: PC-1005 Gel (Carrageenan with Added MIV-150 and Zinc Salts) (more)
Council scientists are investigating microbicide gels containing carrageenan, MIV-150, and zinc salts that might block acquisition and transmission of HIV.
(1/2004 - ongoing)
United States

Nonclinical Laboratory Studies: PC-700 Series Gels (Carrageenan with Zinc Salts) (more)
Council researchers are studying microbicide gels containing carrageenan and zinc salts that might block acquisition and transmission of herpes and HIV.
(1/2000 - ongoing)
United States

Nonclinical Laboratory Studies: Vaginal Rings Loaded with MIV-150 (more)
Council scientists are conducting studies of vaginal rings releasing MIV-150 that might provide continuous protection from acquisition and transmission of HIV for at least one month.
(1/2007 - ongoing)
United States

Facilitating Regulatory Approval of Multipurpose Prevention Technologies for Reproductive Health (more)
The Population Council is playing a central role in the US Agency for International Development’s effort to clarify and inform regulatory pathways for multipurpose prevention technologies.
(10/2010 - 9/2013)
United States

A Simulated Clinical Trial to Explore Willingness to Participate and Methods for Improving Reporting of Adherence Among a Sex-worker Cohort in Nellore, India (more)
A simulated microbicides clinical study is being conducted in India to develop and test strategies for improving recruitment, adherence, and the reporting of adherence for future microbicides clinical trials.
(1/2008 - 1/2012)
India

Clinical Studies: Carraguard® Phase 3 Clinical Trial (more)
Council researchers completed Phase 3 testing of the Council’s candidate microbicide Carraguard.
(3/2004 - 3/2007)
South Africa

Resources

An evaluation of methods to improve the reporting of adherence in a placebo gel trial in Andhra Pradesh, India (abstract) (HTML
Abbott,Sharon; Friedland,Barbara A.; Sarna,Avina; Katzen,Lauren L.; Rawiel,Ulrike; Srikrishnan,Aylur K.; Shalini,C.S.; Tun,Waimar; Kelly,Christine A.; Solomon,Suniti; Mensch,Barbara S.
AIDS and Behavior 17(6): 2222-2236
Publication date: 2013


Characteristics of female sex workers in southern India willing and unwilling to participate in a placebo gel trial (abstract) (HTML
Mensch,Barbara S.; Friedland,Barbara A.; Abbott,Sharon; Katzen,Lauren L.; Tun,Waimar; Kelly,Clifton A.; Sarna,Avina; Srikrishnan,Aylur K.; Solomon,Suniti
AIDS and Behavior 17(2): 585-597
Publication date: 2013


Effect of computer-assisted interviewing on self-reported sexual behavior data in a microbicide clinical trial (abstract) (PDF
Gorbach,Pamina M.; Mensch,Barbara S.; Husnik,Marla; Coly,Astou; Masse,Benoit R.; Makanani,Bonus; Nkhoma,Chiwawa; Chinula,Lameck; Tembo,Tchangani; Mierzwa,Stan; Reynolds,Kimberly; Hurst,Stacey; Coletti,Anne S.; Forsyth,Andrew
AIDS and Behavior 17(2): 790-800
Publication date: 2013


In search of the optimal delivery method for anti-HIV microbicides: Are intravaginal rings the way forward? (abstract) (HTML
Derby,Nina R.; Zydowsky,Thomas M.; Robbiani,Melissa
Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy 11(1): 5-8
Publication date: 2013


Microbicide clinical trial adherence: Insights for introduction (abstract) (PDF
Woodsong,Cynthia; MacQueen,Kathleen M.; Amico,K.Rivet; Friedland,Barbara A.; Gafos,Mitzy; Mansoor,Leila; Tolley,Elizabeth E.; McCormack,Sheena
Journal of the International AIDS Society 16: 18505-
Publication date: 2013


Prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance among women screening for HIV prevention trials in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (MTN-009) (abstract) (HTML
Parikh,Urvi M.; Kiepiela,Photini; Ganesh,Shayhana; Gomez,Kailazarid; Horn,Stephanie; Eskay,Krista; Kelly,Cliff; Mensch,Barbara S.; Gorbach,Pamina M.; Soto-Torres,Lydia; Ramjee,Gita; Mellors,John W.; on behalf of IPTc Taskforce
PLoS ONE 8(4): e59787-
Publication date: 2013


Sexually transmitted infections and reproductive health morbidity in a cohort of female sex workers screened for a microbicide feasibility study in Nellore, India (abstract) (HTML
Sarna,Avina; Friedland,Barbara A.; Srikrishnan,Aylur K.; Katzen,Lauren L.; Tun,Waimar; Abbott,Sharon; Rawiel,Ulrike; Kelly,Christine A.; Shalini,C.S.; Solomon,Suniti; Mensch,Barbara S.
Global Journal of Health Science 5(3): 139-149
Publication date: 2013


"Microbicide research and development," fact sheet (PDF
Population Council
Publication date: 2012


"The Population Council's HIV and AIDS program," fact sheet (PDF
Population Council
Publication date: 2012


A single dose of a MIV-150/zinc acetate gel provides 24 h of protection against vaginal simian human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase infection, with more limited protection rectally 8-24 h after gel use (abstract) (HTML
Kenney,Jessica; Singer,Rachel; Derby,Nina R.; Aravantinou,Meropi; Abraham,Ciby J.; Menon,Radhika; Seidor,Samantha; Zhang,Shimin; Gettie,Agegnehu; Blanchard,James; Piatak Jr.,Michael; Lifson,Jeffrey D.; Fernandez-Romero,Jose A.; Zydowsky,Thomas M.; Robbiani,Melissa
AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses 28(11): 1476-1484
Publication date: 2012


Acceptability in microbicide and PrEP trials: Current status and a reconceptualization (abstract) (HTML
Mensch,Barbara S.; van der Straten,Ariane; Katzen,Lauren L.
Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS 7(6): 534-541
Publication date: 2012


An intravaginal ring that releases the NNRTI MIV-150 reduces SHIV transmission in macaques (abstract) (HTML
Singer,Rachel; Mawson,Paul; Derby,Nina R.; Rodriguez,Aixa; Kizima,Larisa; Menon,Radhika; Goldman,Daniel; Kenney,Jessica; Aravantinou,Meropi; Seidor,Samantha; Gettie,Agegnehu; Blanchard,James; Piatak Jr.,Michael; Lifson,Jeffrey D.; Fernandez-Romero,Jose A.; Robbiani,Melissa; Zydowsky,Thomas M.
Science Translational Medicine 4(150)
Publication date: 2012


Hormonal contraception and the risk of HIV acquisition among women in South Africa (abstract) (HTML
Morrison,Charles S.; Skoler-Karpoff,Stephanie; Kwok,Cynthia; Chen,Pai-lien; van de Wijgert,Janneke; Gehret-Plagianos,Marlena; Patel,Smruti; Ahmed,Khatija; Ramjee,Gita; Friedland,Barbara A.; Lahteenmaki,Pekka
AIDS 26(4): 497-504
Publication date: 2012


Nonclinical development needs and regulatory requirements for multipurpose prevention technologies: A primer (PDF
Romano,Joseph W.; Brady,Martha; Manning,Judy
Publication date: 2012


Non-specific microbicide development: Then and now (abstract) (HTML
Romano,Joseph W.; Robbiani,Melissa; Doncel,Gustavo F.; Moench,Thomas
Current HIV Research 10(1): 9-18
Publication date: 2012


Shaping the operations research agenda for antiretroviral-based prevention products for women: Gels and rings (PDF
Brady,Martha; McGrory,C.Elizabeth
Consultation Report
Publication date: 2012


The nonnucleoside reverse transcription inhibitor MIV-160 delivered from an intravaginal ring, but not from a carrageenan gel, protects against simian/human immunodeficiency virus-RT infection (abstract) (PDF
Aravantinou,Meropi; Singer,Rachel; Derby,Nina R.; Calenda,Giulia; Mawson,Paul; Abraham,Ciby J.; Menon,Radhika; Seidor,Samantha; Goldman,Daniel; Kenney,Jessica; Villegas,Guillermo; Gettie,Agegnehu; Blanchard,James; Lifson,Jeffrey D.; Piatak Jr.,Michael; Fernandez-Romero,Jose A.; Zydowsky,Thomas M.; Teleshova,Natalia; Robbiani,Melissa
AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses 28(11): 1467-1475
Publication date: 2012


Users' and providers' perspectives on MPTs: What do we know, and what do we need to know? (PDF
Presentation at Multipurpose Prevention Technologies for Reproductive Health, New Delhi, India, 11-12 December
Brady,Martha
Publication date: 2012


What have we learned from other reproductive health technologies? (PDF
Presentation at Multipurpose Prevention Technologies for Reproductive Health, New Delhi, India, 11-12 December
Brady,Martha
Publication date: 2012


Zinc acetate/carrageenan gels exhibit potent activity in vivo against high dose HSV-2 vaginal and rectal challenge (abstract) (PDF
Fernandez-Romero,Jose A.; Abraham,Ciby J.; Rodriguez,Aixa; Kizima,Larisa; Jean-Pierre,Ninochka; Menon,Radhika; Begay,Othell; Seidor,Samantha; Ford,Brian E.; Gil,Pedro I.; Peters,Jennifer; Katz,David; Robbiani,Melissa; Zydowsky,Thomas M.
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 56(1): 358-368
Publication date: 2012


Acceptability of Carraguard vaginal microbicide gel among HIV-infected women in Chiang Rai, Thailand (abstract) (HTML
Whitehead,Sara J.; McLean,Catherine A.; Chaikummao,Supaporn; Braunstein,Sarah; Utaivoravit,Wat; van de Wijgert,Janneke; Mock,Philip A.; Siraprapasiri,Taweesap; Friedland,Barbara A.; Kilmarx,Peter H.; Markowitz,Lauri
PLoS ONE 6(9): e14831-
Publication date: 2011


An antiretroviral/zinc combination gel provides 24 hours of complete protection against vaginal SHIV infection in macaques (abstract) (PDF
Kenney,Jessica; Aravantinou,Meropi; Singer,Rachel; Hsu,Mayla; Rodriguez,Aixa; Kizima,Larisa; Abraham,Ciby J.; Menon,Radhika; Seidor,Samantha; Chudolij,Anne; Gettie,Agegnehu; Blanchard,James; Lifson,Jeffrey D.; Piatak Jr.,Michael; Fernandez-Romero,Jose A.; Zydowsky,Thomas M.; Robbiani,Melissa
PLoS ONE 6(1): E15835-
Publication date: 2011


Assessing the reporting of adherence and sexual activity in a simulated microbicide trial in South Africa: An interview mode experiment using a placebo gel (abstract) (HTML
Mensch,Barbara S.; Hewett,Paul C.; Abbott,Sharon; Rankin,Johanna; Littlefield,Sarah A.; Ahmed,Khatija; Cassim,Nazira; Patel,Smruti; Ramjee,Gita; Palanee,Thesla; Mierzwa,Stan; Skoler-Karpoff,Stephanie
AIDS and Behavior 15(2): 407-421
Publication date: 2011


Comparing computer and face-to-face interviewing (PDF
Population Briefs 16(3)
Publication date: 2011


Day of dialogue on multipurpose prevention technologies: Toward clarity in nomenclature (PDF
Brady,Martha; McGrory,C.Elizabeth
Meeting notes
Publication date: 2011


Facilitating regulatory approval of multipurpose prevention technologies for sexual and reproductive health (PDF
Brady,Martha
Brief
Publication date: 2011


Identification of personal lubricants that can cause rectal epithelial cell damage and enhance HIV-1 replication in vitro (abstract) (HTML
Begay,Othell; Jean-Pierre,Ninochka; Abraham,Ciby J.; Chudolij,Anne; Seidor,Samantha; Rodriguez,Aixa; Ford,Brian E.; Henderson,Marcus; Katz,David; Zydowsky,Thomas M.; Robbiani,Melissa; Fernandez-Romero,Jose A.
AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses 27(9): 1019-1024
Publication date: 2011


The nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor MIV-150 in carrageenan gel prevents rectal transmission of simian/human immunodeficiency virus infection in macaques (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Singer,Rachel; Derby,Nina R.; Rodriguez,Aixa; Kizima,Larisa; Kenney,Jessica; Aravantinou,Meropi; Chudolij,Anne; Gettie,Agegnehu; Blanchard,James; Lifson,Jeffrey D.; Piatak Jr.,Michael; Fernandez-Romero,Jose A.; Zydowsky,Thomas M.; Robbiani,Melissa
Journal of Virology 85(11): 5504-5512
Publication date: 2011


Vaginal microbicide combination shown effective in monkeys (PDF
Population Briefs 16(3)
Publication date: 2011


Validation of a dye stain assay for vaginally inserted hydroxyethylcellulose-filled microbicide applicators (abstract) (HTML
Katzen,Lauren L.; Fernandez-Romero,Jose A.; Sarna,Avina; Murugavel,Kailapuri G.; Gawarecki,Daniel; Zydowsky,Thomas M.; Mensch,Barbara S.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 38(11): 1050-1055
Publication date: 2011


What regulatory guidance exists for multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs)? A review of key guidance documents and their applicability to MPTs (PDF
Brady,Martha; Park,Heeyoung
Publication date: 2011


Breakthrough in microbicides development (PDF
Rutenberg,Naomi; Townsend,John W.
IPPF Medical Bulletin 44(3): 3-4
Publication date: 2010


Expanded safety and acceptability of the candidate vaginal microbicide Carraguard® in South Africa (abstract) (HTML
The Carraguard Phase II South Africa Study Team
Contraception 82(6): 563-571
Publication date: 2010


The role of ARVs in HIV prevention: Microbicides and PrEP (PDF
Kalibala,Sam; Littlefield,Sarah A.
GMHC Treatment Issues (December 2010)
Publication date: 2010


"Hope against HIV: Microbicide trials in your community," educational video available in English, French, ki-Swahili, isi-Zulu, and isi-Xhosa (HTML
Publication date: 2009


A macaque model to study vaginal HSV-2/immunodeficiency virus co-infection and the impact of HSV-2 on microbicide efficacy (abstract) (HTML
Crostarosa,Federica; Aravantinou,Meropi; Akpogheneta,Onome J.; Jasny,Edith; Shaw,Andrew; Kenney,Jessica; Piatak Jr.,Michael; Lifson,Jeffrey D.; Teitelbaum,Aaron; Hu,Lieyu; Chudolij,Anne; Zydowsky,Thomas M.; Blanchard,James; Gettie,Agegnehu; Robbiani,Melissa
PLoS ONE 4(11): e8060 (1)-e8060 (14)
Publication date: 2009


Acceptability of a Carrageenan-based candidate vaginal microbicide and matching placebo: Findings from a phase II safety trial among women in Chiang Rai, Thailand (abstract) (HTML
Jones,Heidi E.; Chaikummao,Supaporn; van de Wijgert,Janneke; Friedland,Barbara A.; Manopaiboon,Chomnad; Witwatwongwana,Paisit; Wankrairoj,Mayuree; Chantharojwong,Nartlada; Kilmarx,Peter H.
Journal of Women's Health 18(7): 1003-1010
Publication date: 2009


Effect of sexual intercourse on the absorption of levonorgestrel after vaginal administration of 0.75 mg in Carraguard® gel: A randomized, cross-over, pharmacokinetic study (abstract) (HTML
Brache,Vivian; Croxatto,Horacio B.; Kumar,Narender; Sitruk-Ware,Regine; Cochon,Leila; Schiappacasse,Veronica; Sivin,Irving; Munoz,Carla; Maguire,Robin A.; Faundes,Anibal
Contraception 79(2): 150-154
Publication date: 2009


Many vaginal microbicide trial participants acknowledged they had misreported sensitive sexual behavior in face-to-face interviews (abstract) (HTML
Turner,Abigail Norris; de Kock,Alana; Meehan-Ritter,Amy; Blanchard,Kelly; Sebola,Mohlatlego H.; Hoosen,Anwar; Coetzee,Nicol; Ellertson,Charlotte
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 62(7): 759-765
Publication date: 2009


Trial showed anti-HIV microbicide candidate is safe, but did not prove it effective (PDF
Population Briefs 15(1)
Publication date: 2009


Vaginal microbicide adherence biomarkers should be validated--Authors' reply (HTML
Skoler-Karpoff,Stephanie; Friedland,Barbara A.; Plagianos,Marlena Gehret; Maguire,Robin A.; Lahteenmaki,Pekka
Lancet 373(9665): 721-722
Publication date: 2009


Candida albicans-induced DC activation reduces HIV amplification by DCs while increasing DC-to-T-cell spread of HIV (abstract) (HTML
Vachot,Laurence; Williams,Vennansha G.; Bess Jr.,Julian W.; Lifson,Jeffrey D.; Robbiani,Melissa
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 48(4): 398-407
Publication date: 2008


A randomized, placebo-controlled trial to assess the safety and acceptability of use of Carraguard vaginal gel by heterosexual couples in Thailand (abstract) (HTML
Kilmarx,Peter H.; Blanchard,Kelly; Chaikummao,Supaporn; Friedland,Barbara A.; Srivirojana,Nucharee; Connolly,Cathy; Witwatwongwana,Paisit; Supawitkul,Somsak; Mock,Philip A.; Chaowanachan,Thanyanan; Tappero,Jordan W.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 35(3): 226-232
Publication date: 2008


Consentement éclairé dans les essais de prévention du VIH: Points saillants d'un atelier international [Informed consent in HIV prevention trials: Highlights from an international workshop] (PDF
Publication date: 2008


Consentimento informado nos ensaios de prevenção do HIV: Pontos altos dum workshop internacional [Informed consent in HIV prevention trials: Highlights from an international workshop] (PDF
Publication date: 2008


Consentimiento informado en ensayos de prevención del VIH: Aspectos destacados de un taller internacional [Informed consent in HIV prevention trials: Highlights from an international workshop] (PDF
Publication date: 2008


Differentiating normal from abnormal rates of genital epithelial findings in vaginal microbicide trials (abstract) (HTML
van de Wijgert,Janneke; Kilmarx,Peter H.; Jones,Heidi E.; Karon,John M.; Chaikummao,Supaporn
Contraception 77(2): 122-129
Publication date: 2008


Efficacy of Carraguard for prevention of HIV infection in women in South Africa: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (abstract) (HTML
Skoler-Karpoff,Stephanie; Ramjee,Gita; Ahmed,Khatija; Altini,Lydia; Gehret,Marlena; Friedland,Barbara A.; Govender,Sumentheran N.; de Kock,Alana; Cassim,Nazira; Palanee,Thesla; Dozier,Gregory; Maguire,Robin A.; Lahteenmaki,Pekka
Lancet 372(9654): 1977-1987
Publication date: 2008


Efficacy of Carraguard-based microbicides in vivo despite variable in vitro activity (abstract) (PDF
Turville,Stuart G.; Aravantinou,Meropi; Miller,Todd; Kenney,Jessica; Teitelbaum,Aaron; Hu,Lieyu; Chudolij,Anne; Zydowsky,Thomas M.; Piatak Jr.,Michael; Bess Jr.,Julian W.; Lifson,Jeffrey D.; Blanchard,James; Gettie,Agegnehu; Robbiani,Melissa
PLoS ONE 3(9): e3162-
Publication date: 2008


Idhini fahamishi katika majaribio ya kikliniki ya ukingaji wa virusi vya ukimwi [Informed consent in HIV prevention trials: Highlights from an international workshop] (PDF
Publication date: 2008


Imvume unolwazi ocwaningweni lokuvimbela igciwane lesandulela ngculaza [Informed consent in HIV prevention trials: Highlights from an international workshop] (PDF
Publication date: 2008


Informed consent in HIV prevention trials: Highlights from an international workshop (PDF
Publication date: 2008


Microbicide product development (abstract) (HTML
Maguire,Robin A.
Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS 3(5): 554-557
Publication date: 2008


Microbicides (HTML
Kaldor,John; Robbiani,Melissa
Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS 3(5)
Publication date: 2008


Microbicides: Chemistry, structure, and strategy (abstract) (HTML
Zydowsky,Thomas M.
Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS 3(5): 548-553
Publication date: 2008


No increase in cervicovaginal proinflammatory cytokines after Carraguard use in a placebo-controlledrandomized clinical trial (abstract) (HTML
Bollen,Liesbeth J.M.; Blanchard,Kelly; Kilmarx,Peter H.; Chaikummao,Supaporn; Connolly,Cathy; Wasinrapee,Punneporn; Srivirojana,Nucharee; Achalapong,Jullapong; Tappero,Jordan W.; McNicholl,Janet M.
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 47(2): 253-257
Publication date: 2008


Rectal microbicides (abstract) (HTML
McGowan,Ian; Anton,Peter
Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS 3(5): 593-598
Publication date: 2008


Carrageenan/MIV-150 (PC-815), a combination microbicide (abstract) (HTML
Fernandez-Romero,Jose A.; Thorn,Mitchell; Turville,Stuart G.; Titchen,Kanani; Sudol,Kristin M.; Li,Jifan; Miller,Todd; Robbiani,Melissa; Maguire,Robin A.; Buckheit Jr.,Robert W.; Hartman,Tracy L.; Phillips,David M.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 34(1): 9-14
Publication date: 2007


Acceptability of Carraguard, a candidate microbicide and methyl cellulose placebo vaginal gels among HIV-positive women and men in Durban, South Africa (abstract) (PDF
Ramjee,Gita; Morar,Neetha S.; Braunstein,Sarah; Friedland,Barbara A.; Jones,Heidi E.; van de Wijgert,Janneke
AIDS Research and Therapy 4(20)
Publication date: 2007


Carraguard vaginal gel safety in HIV-positive women and men in South Africa (abstract) (HTML
van de Wijgert,Janneke; Braunstein,Sarah; Morar,Neetha S.; Jones,Heidi E.; Madurai,Lorna; Evans Strickfaden,Tammy T.; Moodley,Manivasan; Aboobaker,Jamila; Ndlovu,Gugulethu; Ferguson,Taja M.; Friedland,Barbara A.; Hart,Clyde E.; Ramjee,Gita
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 46(5): 538-546
Publication date: 2007


Day of dialogue--Insights and evidence from product introduction: Lessons for microbicides (PDF
Brady,Martha; McGrory,C.Elizabeth
Publication date: 2007


Determining the feasibility of utilizing the microbicide applicator compliance assay for use in clinical trials (abstract) (HTML
Wallace,Andrea R.; Teitelbaum,Aaron; Wan,Livia; Mulima,Maria Gloria; Guichard,Laura; Skoler,Stephanie; Vilakazi,Hlengiwe; Mapula,Fridda S.; Rossier,Jasmine; Govender,Sumentheran N.; Lahteenmaki,Pekka; Maguire,Robin A.; Phillips,David M.
Contraception 76(1): 53-56
Publication date: 2007


Effect of a single vaginal administration of levonorgestrel in Carraguard® gel on the ovulatory process: A potential candidate for 'dual protection' emergency contraception (abstract) (HTML
Brache,Vivian; Croxatto,Horacio B.; Sitruk-Ware,Regine; Maguire,Robin A.; Montero,Juan Carlos; Kumar,Narender; Salvatierra,Ana Maria; Tejada,Ana-Sofia; Cochon,Leila; Forcelledo,Maria Luisa; Lahteenmaki,Pekka; Alvarez,Francisco; Faundes,Anibal
Contraception 76(2): 111-116
Publication date: 2007


Engaging advocates from concept to results: Summary report of the Advocates' Consultation on HIV Prevention Trials: Carraguard and VOICE Studies, Johannesburg, South Africa, 18-19 October 2007 (PDF
Meeting report
Publication date: 2007


Pharmacokinetic study to compare the absorption and tolerability of two doses of levonorgestrel following single vaginal administration of levonorgestrel in Carraguard® gel: A new formulation for 'dual protection' contraception (abstract) (HTML
Sitruk-Ware,Regine; Brache,Vivian; Maguire,Robin A.; Croxatto,Horacio B.; Kumar,Narender; Kumar,Sushma; Montero,Juan Carlos; Salvatierra,Ana Maria; Phillips,David M.; Faundes,Anibal
Contraception 75(6): 454-460
Publication date: 2007


Tests suggest new microbicide will have improved efficacy (PDF
Population Briefs 13(2)
Publication date: 2007


Challenges in microbicide trial design and implementation (PDF
van de Wijgert,Janneke; Jones,Heidi E.
Studies in Family Planning 37(2): 123-129
Publication date: 2006


Challenges to microbicide introduction in South Africa (abstract) (HTML
Orner,Phyllis; Harries,Jane; Cooper,Diane; Moodley,Jennifer; Hoffman,Margaret; Becker,Julie; McGrory,C.Elizabeth; Dabash,Rasha; Bracken,Hillary J.
Social Science and Medicine 63(4): 968-978
Publication date: 2006


Informed Consent in HIV Prevention Trials: Report of an International Workshop (PDF
McGrory,C.Elizabeth; Friedland,Barbara A.; Woodsong,Cynthia; MacQueen,Kathleen M.
Publication date: 2006


Our current microbicide trials: Lessons learned and to be learned (PDF
Skoler,Stephanie; Peterson,Leigh; Cates,Ward
The Microbicide Quarterly 4(1): 1-6
Publication date: 2006


Phase 3 study of the efficacy and safety of the microbicide Carraguard in preventing HIV seroconversion in women (Population Council Protocol 322): Summary (PDF
Population Council
Publication date: 2006


Phase 3 study of the efficacy and safety of the microbicide Carraguard in preventing HIV seroconversion in women: Protocol synopsis (PDF
Population Council
Publication date: 2006


Safety and acceptability of the candidate microbicide Carraguard in Thai women: Findings from a Phase II clinical trial (abstract) (HTML
Kilmarx,Peter H.; van de Wijgert,Janneke; Chaikummao,Supaporn; Jones,Heidi E.; Limpakarnjanarat,Kanchit; Friedland,Barbara A.; Karon,John M.; Manopaiboon,Chomnad; Srivirojana,Nucharee; Yanpaisarn,Somboonsak; Supawitkul,Somsak; Young,Nancy L.; Mock,Philip A.; Blanchard,Kelly; Mastro,Timothy D.
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 43(3): 327-334
Publication date: 2006


Slamming the door on unwanted guests: Why preemptive strikes at the mucosa may be the best strategy against HIV (abstract) (PDF
Trapp,Susanna; Turville,Stuart G.; Robbiani,Melissa
Journal of Leukocyte Biology 80(5): 1076-1083
Publication date: 2006


Microbicides: Developing and testing a gel to prevent HIV transmission (PDF
Population Council Annual Report 2004
Publication date: 2005


Microbicides: Developing and testing a gel to prevent HIV transmission [Arabic] (PDF
Population Council Annual Report 2004
Publication date: 2005


Phase III microbicide trial methodology: Opinions of experienced expanded safety trial participants in South Africa (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
van de Wijgert,Janneke; Jones,Heidi E.; Pistorius,Annalie; de Kock,Alana; Sebola,Mohlatlego H.; Friedland,Barbara A.; Hoosen,Anwar; Coetzee,Nicol
Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS 2(3): 311-319
Publication date: 2005


Preferences and practices related to vaginal lubrication: Implications for microbicide acceptability and clinical testing (abstract) (HTML
Braunstein,Sarah; van de Wijgert,Janneke
Journal of Women's Health 14(5): 424-433
Publication date: 2005


Assay for establishing whether microbicide applicators have been exposed to the vagina (abstract) (HTML
Wallace,Andrea R.; Thorn,Mitchell; Maguire,Robin A.; Sudol,Kristin M.; Phillips,David M.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 31(8): 465-468
Publication date: 2004


Carraguard may block HIV by adhering to cells (PDF
Population Briefs 10(1)
Publication date: 2004


Lubricants containing N-9 may enhance rectal transmission of HIV and other STIs (abstract) (HTML
Phillips,David M.; Sudol,Kristin M.; Taylor,Clark L.; Guichard,Laura; Elsen,Robert; Maguire,Robin A.
Contraception 70(2): 107-110
Publication date: 2004


Microbicide trials for preventing HIV/AIDS in South Africa: Phase II trial participants' experiences and psychological needs (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Pistorius,Annalie; van de Wijgert,Janneke; Sebola,Mohlatlego H.; Friedland,Barbara A.; Nagel,Evelyn; Bokaba,Cathleen; Hoosen,Anwar
Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS 1(2): 78-86
Publication date: 2004


Paving the Path: Preparing for Microbicide Introduction-Report of a Qualitative Study in South Africa (PDF
Becker,Julie; Dabash,Rasha; McGrory,C.Elizabeth; Cooper,Diane; Harries,Jane; Hoffman,Margaret; Moodley,Jennifer; Orner,Phyllis; Bracken,Hillary J.
Publication date: 2004


Paving the Path: Preparing for Microbicide Introduction--Report of a Qualitative Study in South Africa [Executive Summary] (PDF
Becker,Julie; Dabash,Rasha; McGrory,C.Elizabeth; Cooper,Diane; Harries,Jane; Hoffman,Margaret; Moodley,Jennifer; Orner,Phyllis; Bracken,Hillary J.
Publication date: 2004


Relative safety of sexual lubricants for rectal intercourse (abstract) (HTML
Sudol,Kristin M.; Phillips,David M.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 31(6): 346-349
Publication date: 2004


Testing Carraguard: What you need to know (PDF
Clacherty,Glynis; Friedland,Barbara A.; de Kock,Alana; Marumo,Mabitso
Publication date: 2004


Carrageenan formulation prevents macrophage trafficking from vagina: Implications for microbicide development (abstract) (PDF
Perotti,Maria-Elisa; Pirovano,Alessia; Phillips,David M.
Biology of Reproduction 69(3): 933-939
Publication date: 2003


Cultural norms and behavior regarding vaginal lubrication during sex: Implications for the acceptability of vaginal microbicides for the prevention of HIV/STIs (PDF
Braunstein,Sarah; van de Wijgert,Janneke
Robert H. Ebert Program on Critical Issues in Reproductive Health Publication Series
Publication date: 2003


A critical review of the toxicological effects of Carrageenan and processed eucheuma seaweed on the gastrointestinal tract (abstract) (HTML
Cohen,Samuel M.; Ito,Nobuyuki
Critical Reviews in Toxicology 32(5): 413-444
Publication date: 2002


Female condoms and microbicides 
Esu-Williams,Eka; Blanchard,Kelly; Essex,Max; Mboup,Souleymane; Kanki,Phyllis J.; Marlink,Richard G.; Tlou,Sheila D.
from AIDS in Africa, pp. 506-513
Publication date: 2002


Informed consent: From good intentions to sound practices--A report of a seminar (PDF
Wood,Susan Y.; Friedland,Barbara A.; McGrory,C.Elizabeth
Robert H. Ebert Program on Critical Issues in Reproductive Health Publication Series
Publication date: 2002


Microbicides to prevent heterosexual transmission of HIV: Ten years down the road (HTML
van de Wijgert,Janneke; Coggins,Christiana
Bulletin of Experimental Treatments for AIDS 15(2): 23-28
Publication date: 2002


Motivations for and barriers to study participation (PDF
Population Briefs 8(1)
Publication date: 2002


Non-HIV STIs and the epidemiology of success 
Blanchard,Kelly; Elias,Christopher J.
from The Science of Microbicides: Accelerating Development, report of the Science Working Group of the Microbicide Initiative, pp. 47-51
Publication date: 2002


Nonoxynol-9 rapidly exfoliates rectal epithelium (PDF
Population Briefs, Spring 2002 (HIV/AIDS edition)
Publication date: 2002


Toward the development of a microbicide (PDF
Population Briefs, Spring 2002 (HIV/AIDS edition)
Publication date: 2002


Acceptability and feasibility of Micralax applicators and of methyl cellulose gel placebo for large-scale clinical trials of vaginal microbicides (abstract) (PDF
Coetzee,Nicol; Blanchard,Kelly; Ellertson,Charlotte; Hoosen,Anwar; Friedland,Barbara A.
AIDS 15(14): 1837-1842
Publication date: 2001


Acceptability research on female-controlled barrier methods to prevent heterosexual transmission of HIV: Where have we been? Where are we going? (abstract) (HTML
Elias,Christopher J.; Coggins,Christiana
Journal of Women's Health and Gender-Based Medicine 10(2): 163-173
Publication date: 2001


Phase 1 trial of the topical microbicide BufferGel: Safety results from four international sites (abstract) (HTML
van de Wijgert,Janneke; Fullem,Andrew; Kelly,Clifton A.; Mehendale,Sajay; Rugpao,Sungwal; Kumwenda,Newton; Chirenje,Zvavahera M.; Joshi,Mita; Taha,Taha; Padian,Nancy F.; Bollinger,Robert; Nelson,Kenrad
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 26(1): 21-27
Publication date: 2001


Recommendations for the clinical development of topical microbicides: An update (abstract) (PDF
Mauck,Christine; Rosenberg,Zeda; Van Damme,Lut; van Dam,C.Johannes
AIDS 15(7): 857-868
Publication date: 2001


The case for microbicides: A global priority. Second edition (PDF
Attawell,Kathy
Publication date: 2001


Women's willingness to participate in microbicide trials in northern Thailand (abstract) (HTML
Kanokwan,Tharawan; Manopaiboon,Chomnad; Ellertson,Charlotte; Limpakarnjanarat,Kanchit; Chaikummao,Supaporn; Kilmarx,Peter H.; Blanchard,Kelly; Coggins,Christiana; Mastro,Timothy D.; Elias,Christopher J.
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 28(2): 180-186
Publication date: 2001


Men's attitudes toward vaginal product use: Farmers and taxi drivers in Mexico 
Coggins,Christiana; Madrigal,Mauricio Ramos; Llamas,Alicia
Publication date: 2000


Men's attitudes towards a potential vaginal microbicide in Zimbabwe, Mexico and the USA (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Coggins,Christiana; Blanchard,Kelly; Friedland,Barbara A.
Reproductive Health Matters 8(15): 132-141
Publication date: 2000


Nonoxynol-9 causes rapid exfoliation of sheets of rectal epithelium (abstract) (HTML
Phillips,David M.; Taylor,Clark L.; Zacharopoulos,Vanaja R.; Maguire,Robin A.
Contraception 62(3): 149-154
Publication date: 2000


Preliminary safety and acceptability of a carrageenan gel for possible use as a vaginal microbicide (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
Coggins,Christiana; Blanchard,Kelly; Alvarez,Francisco; Brache,Vivian; Weisberg,Edith; Kilmarx,Peter H.; Lacarra,Maria; Massai,Rebeca; Mishell,Daniel R.,Jr.; Salvatierra,Ana Maria; Witwatwongwana,Paisit; Elias,Christopher J.; Ellertson,Charlotte
Sexually Transmitted Infections 76(6): 480-483
Publication date: 2000


Informing Research on HIV Prevention: A Consultation (PDF
Fonn,Sharon; McGrory,C.Elizabeth
Publication date: 1999


Pushing the frontiers of science-the Population Council's Microbicide Basic Science Network on vaginal microbicide research (abstract) (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


A study of women's preferences regarding the formulation of over-the-counter vaginal spermicides (PDF
Coggins,Christiana; Elias,Christopher J.; Atisook,Ronachai; Bassett,Mary T.; Ettiegne-Traore,Virginie; Ghys,Peter D.; Jenkins-Woelk,Laura; Thongkrajai,Earmporn; VanDevanter,Nancy L.
Robert H. Ebert Program on Critical Issues in Reproductive Health Publication Series
Publication date: 1998


Ethical challenges in efficacy of vaginal microbicides for HIV prevention (abstract) (PDF) (HTML
De Zoysa,Isabelle; Elias,Christopher J.; Bentley,Margaret E.
American Journal of Public Health 88(4): 571-575
Publication date: 1998


Practical and ethical dilemmas in the clinical testing of microbicides: A report on a symposium 
Heise,Lori L.; McGrory,C.Elizabeth; Wood,Susan Y.
Publication date: 1998


Partnership for prevention: A report of a meeting between women's health advocates, program planners, and scientists (PDF
Robert H. Ebert Program on Critical Issues in Reproductive Health Publication Series
Publication date: 1994


Towards developing a vaginal formulation which will prevent infection by human immunodeficiency virus 
Phillips,David M.; Tan,Xin; Pearce-Pratt,Rachael; Zacharopoulos,Vanaja R.; Gillet,J-Y; Bongain,A.
from 2nd International Symposium on AIDS and Reproduction, pp. 229-238
Publication date: 1994


The development of microbicides: A new method of HIV prevention for women (PDF
Elias,Christopher J.; Heise,Lori L.
Programs Division Working Paper (no. 6)
Publication date: 1993