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

02626 PREFORMULATION EVALUATION OF UC-781, A POTENTIAL ANTI-HIV TOPICAL MICROBICIDE CANDIDATE

Rohan, Lisa C.
Sassi, A B, Thakur, T, Yang, H, Hillier, S.
University of Pittsburgh, Magee Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

UC781 is a tight binding non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) exhibiting excellent activity against HIV. Due to its ability to bind tightly to target enzymes and efficiency at inactivating HIV at the virion level, it is now being considered for use in a vaginal microbicide formulation to prevent HIV infection. Present work reports the preformulation studies conducted on UC781. Stability of UC781 was evaluated using stress stability studies in which the compound was exposed to accelerated conditions of temperature, humidity, light, oxidation, and hydrolysis. UC781 was prone to oxidation and to some extent photolysis and hence needs to be protected from light and oxygen during formulation development. Given the hydrophobic nature of this compound, solubility of UC781 was determined for a number of solubilizing agents. Acute tissue toxicity was evaluated for UC781/solvent combinations. Enhancement of UC781 solubility was achieved and permeability studies conducted in human cervical tissues. Permeability of UC781 through human cervical tissue was examined using three different solvent combinations (Transcutol, Cremophor+PEG+PBS, and Cremophor +PBS) in the Franz cell system. No significant diffusion of UC781 to the receptor compartment was observed with the assay used. Although no UC781 was detected in the receptor compartment after 8 hours, mass balance calculations suggested that UC781 might be absorbed into the tissue. An HPLC assay with greater sensitivity is currently being developed to quantify UC781 at lower concentrations. Once this assay is validated permeability studies will be repeated.

Dr. Lisa Cencia Rohan, Ph. D.
Magee Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(Telephone) 412-641-6108 (Fax) 412-641-5290 (E-mail) rsilcr@mwri.magee.edu