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

02507 SAMMA BLOCKS HIV-1 AND HSV-2 INFECTION IN CELLULAR AND HUMAN CERVICAL TISSUE MODELS

Mesquita, Pedro M.*
Herold, B.**, Shattock, R.J.*
*St. George’s Hospital Medical School, London, UK. Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases**Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA. Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases

Background
Epidemiological data show that HSV-2 infection of the genital tract is very common among HIV-1 +ve patients and enhances HIV-1 acquisition. Consequently, it is important to develop topical microbicides that block transmission of both viruses. SAMMA (mandelic acid condensation polymer) is a potentially cheap and effective microbicide against HIV-1, HSV-2 and several other STDs. Its precursor, mandelic acid, has a long history of safe usage in humans, having been utilised as a urinary antiseptic. We have investigated the activity of SAMMA against HIV-1(R5 and X4) and HSV-2 using cellular and human cervical explant models.

Methods.
Anti-HIV-1 and anti-HSV-2 activity of SAMMA was evaluated in human cervical explants, human monocyte derived macrophages and other cell lines. Blockade of DC-SIGN mediated HIV-1 infection was investigated using THP-1/DC-SIGN transfectants and biocompatibility was assessed using viability assays and cytokine profiles from mucosal tissue exposed to SAMMA and Nonoxynol-9 as a control.

Results
Our data show that SAMMA potently inhibits HIV-1 activity across a variety of strains both as cell free and cell associated virus. It inhibits trans infection via DC-SIGN in cellular models and, in addition, it shows strong inhibition of HSV-2 infection and good tissue biocompatibility.

Conclusions
SAMMA has shown strong anti-viral activity against both HIV and HSV in cellular, macrophage and cervical explant models and is biocompatible at the concentrations tested. These data along with its established safety record and low manufacture costs make it an ideal candidate for further development as a topical microbicide.

Mr. Pedro Mesquita
St. George’s Hospital Medical School, Dept. Cellular and Molecular Medicine, room 2.128, Jenner wing
(Telephone) 02087251603 (Fax) 02087253487 (E-mail) pmesquit@sghms.ac.uk