Researchers from SRI International have received a two-year grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to develop and test a bioadhesive gel for delivery of antiviral drugs.
The gel formulation will be used to protect women from herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Over 3,000 women across the world are infected with HIV every day and it is the major cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa. Out of the 33.3 million people with HIV/AIDS around the world, 22.5 million are concentrated in Africa. HSV-2, a global epidemic, affects nearly 80% of the women in Africa.
Researchers will develop a prototype bioadhesive gel for delivering antiviral drugs, acyclovir and tenofovir, to the vaginal surface. As HSV-2 infections are proven to speed up the development of immunodeficiency disease, the SRI team focused on creating a topical microbicide formulation that helps prevent both HSV-2 and HIV infections. The combination therapy will decrease the risk of drug resistance and provide women with secured and sustained drug delivery.
Gita Shankar, Director of Formulations R&D at SRI Biosciences, noted that the combination therapy that is under development is inexpensive and easy-to-use and can help eliminate the spread of HSV and HIV, as well as other sexually transmitted diseases. The innovative drug delivery product will be based on a bioadhesive polymeric platform, created by SRI.
The two-year grant may be extended to additional three years. The research work will receive support from the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Source: http://www.sri.com/