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

02611_2 PRECLINICAL EVALUATION OF CANDIDATE VAGINAL MICROBICIDE -2 RANTES

Kish-Catalone, Tina*
Lu, W.*, Gallo, R.*, Devico, A.*
*Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201 U.S.A.

The development of topically-applied, female-controlled, vaginal microbicides for the prevention of HIV-1 sexual transmission has gained support as an alternative strategy for women to protect themselves against viral infection. The ideal microbicide would have substantial activity against HIV-1, while possessing no or minimal toxicity. Inhibiting HIV-1 entry can be achieved with CCR5-targeted ligands. In this study, we examine the synthetic -2 isoform of RANTES, a natural and selective CCR5 ligand, as a candidate microbicide for the prevention of HIV-1 sexual transmission. MTS cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that levels up to 1 mg/mL of –2 RANTES were non-toxic to HeLa cell cultures following short-term (30 minutes) and long-term (24 hours) exposures. Preclinical toxicity profiles were examined in vivo utilizing the murine Swiss Webster vaginal model and the New Zealand white rabbit vaginal irritation model. These studies measured cervicovaginal tissue integrity and inflammation following exposure to –2 RANTES formulations. The formulation vehicles, Novasomes&Mac226; 7474, a non-phospholipid liposome, K-Y Jelly, a commonly used vaginal lubricant, and hydroxymethyl cellulose, have been demonstrated as safe for vaginal application. Formulations with 1 mg/mL of –2 RANTES have exhibited minimal toxicity to the mucosal epithelium following short-term (10 minutes) and long-term (24 hours) exposure with single and multiple applications. Overall, these preclinical studies suggest that –2 RANTES has an excellent safety profile for use as an anti-HIV-1 microbicide.

Tina Kish-Catalone, Ph.D.
725 West Lombard Street, S622, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201 USA
(Telephone) (410) 706-4779 (Fax) (410) 706-4694 (E-mail) kish@umbi.umd.edu