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

02676_2 ACCEPTABILITY OF CARRAGUARD AMONG HETEROSEXUAL COUPLES IN A SIX-MONTH CLINICAL TRIAL IN THAILAND 

Blanchard, Kelly1
Witwatwongwana P,2 Supawitkul S ,3 Chaikummao S,4 Friedland B,1 Mock Pa,4 Tappero Jw,4 Kilmarx Ph5 
1Population Council, USA; 2Chiang Rai Hospital, Thailand; 3Chiang Rai Public Health Office, Thailand; 4Thailand MOPH - U.S. CDC Collaboration, Thailand; 5Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, USA 

In phase II trials Carraguard use has been shown to be safe and acceptable in women. To evaluate safety and acceptability among heterosexual couples, we conducted a six-month, randomized, triple-blinded trial of Carraguard (3% carrageenan) compared to 2.5% methyl cellulose placebo in Chiang Rai, Thailand. We enrolled 55 low-risk couples who were in good health, were monogamous, did not use condoms regularly, and were free of HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Couples were randomized to Carraguard or placebo gel and were asked to use the gel each time they had vaginal sex. The couples came for monthly follow-up visits including genital/pelvic exams, STI testing, interview and counseling.

Follow up and adherence with gel use instructions were >90% at each scheduled visit. There were no significant differences in acceptability between the two study arms, and acceptability remained high for the duration of the study. At study close, 85% of men and 92% of women reported they liked the gel somewhat or very much; 73% of men and 67% of women reported increased sexual pleasure; and 63% of men and 56% of women reported increased sexual frequency during the study. None of the men thought the gels had caused them any symptoms; 44% thought women could use the gel without her partner noticing it, and 94% thought that any increase in lubrication during sex was an advantage. Carraguard use was acceptable to low-risk heterosexual couples in northern Thailand.

Kelly Blanchard
PO Box 1985, Parklands 2121, Johannesburg, South Africa
(Telephone) 27-11-447-1641 (Fax) 27-11-447-1353 (E-mail) kblanchard@ibisreproductivehealth.org