Microbicides 2004 Microbicides 200428-31 March 2004, Hilton London MetropoleThe conference42 million men, women and children worldwide were living with HIV by the end of December 2002 (source: UNAIDS), including five million newly-infected during that year alone. Another 45 million people will become infected between 2002 and 2010, unless the current transmission rates can be vastly reduced. Of the 42 million, 29.4 million live in sub-Saharan Africa and 58% of them are women. Not only are women more susceptible to HIV infection, many are powerless to insist on the use of condoms or other methods of protecting themselves. In this context, and with the knowledge that an effective HIV vaccine is unlikely to be available for several years, the need for an effective topical microbicide grows ever more urgent. 2004 should prove to be a landmark year in the field of microbicide development as the first Phase III trials of novel products are due to start – the next step along the road to making a microbicide available to the millions worldwide in desperate need of protection.The aims of the Microbicides 2004 conference are to:Report novel or innovative work in the microbicides fieldProvide updates on recent microbicides research, divided into three tracks: basic science, clinical science, and behavioural science (including public health and the microbicide marketplace)Provide a forum for the discussion of new developments in microbicide research including ethical, clinical, behavioural and methodological issuesPresent opportunities for knowledge-sharing between microbicide researchers, public-health workers and advocacy organisations.There will be an opening ceremony on the evening of Sunday 28 March at which politicians, policy makers and the international media are expected. The conference will run for a full three days, each of which will contain:Scientific overviews and presentations with plenary sessions, invited lecturers and presentations of original researchWorkshops to review issues unique to microbicides such as trial design and outcome measures, and ethical issues in the clinical trials of microbicidesPoster sessions. Focus on LondonFollowing the successful Microbicides conferences in Washington in 2000 and Antwerp in 2002, March 2004 sees the focus move to London.The venue is the Hilton Metropole Hotel, two minutes by taxi from Paddington station and the Heathrow Express, with a journey time from the airport of 15 minutes. The hotel is in walking distance of Hyde Park and London’s main shopping streets, and close to Imperial College. Accommodation will be available at the venue and other hotels in the vicinity.London in March offers a variety of diversions for out-of-conference relaxation, including sight-seeing and shopping; the arts and the theatre; and pubs, clubs and restaurants to suit every taste. Conference staff will be on hand to help delegates plan their spare time.To book your place or find out more information, e-mail info@microbicides2004.org.uk or telephone the Event Office on +44 (0) 20 7720 4411
Oral: invited speaker Oral: Track A Oral: Track B Oral: Track C Poster: Track A Poster: Track B Poster: Track C Abstract only Authors

02676_1 SAFETY OF CARRAGUARD USE BY HETEROSEXUAL MEN IN A SIX MONTH CLINICAL TRIAL IN THAILAND 

Kilmarx P,1
Wankrairoj M,2 Achalapong J,3 Blanchard K,4 Chaikummao S,5 Connolly C,6 Friedland B,4 Tappero J1,5
1Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, USA; 2Chiang Rai Public Health Office, Thailand; 3Chiang Rai Hospital, Thailand; 4Population Council, USA; 5Thailand Moph - U.S. CDC Collaboration, Thailand; 6Medical Research Council of South Africa, South Africa 

In phase II trials Carraguard use has been shown to be safe and acceptable in women. We conducted a six-month, randomized, triple-blinded trial of Carraguard (3% carrageenan) compared to 2.5% methyl cellulose placebo in Chiang Rai, Thailand, to evaluate safety and acceptability among heterosexual couples. We enrolled 55 low-risk couples who were in good health, were monogamous, did not use condoms regularly, and were free of HIV/STI. Couples were randomized to Carraguard or placebo gel and were asked to use the gel each time they had vaginal sex. Men and women came for monthly follow-up visits including genital/pelvic exams, STI testing, interview and counseling.

Follow up and adherence with gel use instructions were >90% at each scheduled visit. During follow up four men in group I (15%) and five men in group II (18%) ever reported any genital itching, burning or pain; one man in each group reported that the gel ever caused itching, burning or pain, and one man in each group reported the gel caused other (mild) symptoms. Four men in group I (15%) and six men in group II (21%) ever had a (small) superficial epithelial disruption during the study. There were no cases of deep epithelial disruptions in any men during the study, nor were there any cases of balanitis or urethral discharge. These data indicate that Carraguard did not cause significant irritation or harm to the male genitalia when used by low-risk heterosexual couples during vaginal intercourse. 

Dr. Peter H Kilmarx
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gaborone, Botswana
(Telephone) 267-390-1696 (Fax) 267-318-1697 (E-mail) pbk4@botusa.org