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

02353 POTENTIAL PREVENTION OF HIV BY USING THE NEW CERVICAL BARRIER “FEMCAP” WITH MICROBICIDES

Shihata, Alfred, MD
Scripps Institution of Medicine and Science, San Diego, CA, USA

A) To block, mechanically and chemically, the main portal of entry used by the virus—the cervix.
B) To minimize the disruption of the cervical and endometrial epithelium caused by microbicide.

Methods: The cervix was found to be the main portal of entry for HIV. This is due to the presence of chemokine receptors CCR-5 and CXCR-4 in the endocervical epithelium. These receptors must be present in order for HIV to enter and infect the CD4 cells. They are absent on the surface of the vagina.

The vagina is a muscular conduit that transports its contents in both directions. Unlike currently available female barriers, the FemCap has a unique groove to store and deliver microbicide on the vaginal side. This ensures immediate exposure of sperm, bacteria, and viruses to the microbicide upon deposition. Most importantly, the FemCap’s microbicide storage groove protects the cervical and endometrial epithelium from the damaging effects of microbicides.

Results: Clinical and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that though many microbicides, including Nonoxynol-9, can destroy the fragile HIV virus in the lab, none have proven effective in the vagina. In fact, Nonoxynol-9 increases HIV transmission if applied over the cervix. This is due to its deleterious effect on the cervical and uterine epithelium.

Conclusion: To minimize the transmission of HIV, it is critical to use both chemical and mechanical barriers. The FemCap covers the cervix completely and is designed to store and deliver the microbicide on the vaginal side, unlike currently available female barriers. This ensures immediate and prolonged contact of the microbicide with invading microorganisms without disruption to the cervical and endometrial epithelium and vaginal ecology by the microbicide.

Dr. Alfred Shihata
14058 Mira Montana Drive, Del Mar, California, 92014, USA
(Telephone) 858-792-2624 (Fax) 858-792-2624 (E-mail) femcap@yahoo.com