Vaccines, Microbicides Update
posted: 12/12/2008
An update report on progress on developing microbicides and vaccines for HIV prevention, especially in the developing world, is now out. The problem of developing vaccines and microbicide gels, are huge. Many attempts have failed, despite the major investment of money and research time.
The Department for International Development announced a new UK £220 million fund over five years for R&D on prevention technologies for diseases primarily affecting the poor, such as HIV, TB and malaria. At the same time a group of experts met at Somerset House in London to agree the best way forward for developing new biomedical prevention tools in the fight against HIV/AIDS. More than 100 scientists, researchers, activists and industry representatives gathered.
The conference papers and report are here.
The new research is likely to include:
- New products such as gels, films or sponges that women can use to protect themselves from infection during sex. Microbicides could be designed for vaginal or rectal use and could make a big difference in highly endemic countries.
- Development of a HIV vaccine. To date, there is still no vaccine but the development of one could be the key to reversing the spread of HIV.
- New start-of-the-art drugs based on existing antiretroviral treatment, designed to protect people judged as high risk, such as those in a relationship where one partner is infected with HIV.
The new funding makes the UK a world leader on HIV research and the Minister will take the conclusions to the World Health Organisation, as the WHO forms its new taskforce on HIV.
The minister Gareth Thomas said:
"The reality is that the spread of HIV is set to spiral out of control unless we act now. Five people are infected with HIV every minute and so we must increase our efforts and increase them now. The UK Government is committed to fighting the spread of HIV and that is why we are announcing £220 million for product development research. Only through research will we find new ways to halt this epidemic, and I hope this funding will help discover new life-saving technology."
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