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

02629_2 DEVELOPMENT OF RAPIDLY DISINTEGRATING BIOADHESIVE VAGINAL TABLETS OF CELLULOSE SULFATE (CS)

Garg, Sanjay*
Vermani, K.#, Kandarapu, R.#, Tambwekar, K#, Garg, A.*, Anderson, R.A.$., Waller, D.P@., Zaneveld, L.J.D.$
*School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.; #Niper, Punjab, India; $Topcad, Rush Medical Center, Chicago, Il, USA; @School of Pharmacy, University of Illinois, Chicago, Il, USA.

CS gel is currently being developed as a microbicide. Considering the region specific needs, climatic and socio-economic conditions of India and other tropical countries, novel vaginal tablets of CS were developed. Tablets containing 200 mg of CS per unit and GRAS listed excipients were formulated, which disintegrated in less than 30 seconds in 10 ml of fluids and formed smooth, homogenous, viscous and bioadhesive dispersion that is likely to be retained in vaginal cavity for prolonged intervals. Developing a rapidly disintegrating bioadhesive tablet was highly challenging, since these two properties normally act against each other. At accelerated stability conditions (40&Mac176; C/75% RH) recommended by ICH for Zone IV countries, tablets were found to be stable for a period of three months and the process of preparation of tablets was amenable for large scale production.

Formulation of CS into tablets did not have any adverse effect on its activities and safety profile. Inhibition of sperm enzyme and sexually transmitted pathogens (HIV, HSV, Chlamydia) caused by tablets was comparable to that of CS. Further, the absence of cytotoxicity and Lactobacillus inhibition demonstrated the potential of CS tablets as safe and effective vaginal microbicide. These can be taken up for clinical studies after necessary toxicololgical studies and regulatory approvals.

Dr. Sanjay Garg
School of Pharmacy, FMHS, University of Auckland, Building 504, LGF, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
(Telephone) 64-9-373-7599 (Fax) 64-9-367-7192 (E-mail) s.garg@auckland.ac.nz