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

02014 ACCEPTABLITY OF DEXTRIN SULPHATE GEL IN WOMEN PARTICIPATING IN A PHASE II TRIAL IN KAMPALA, UGANDA

Namukwaya Stella*
Bukenya Micheal*, Pickering Julie* , Byaruhanga Romano**, Okong Pius** & Jimmy Whitworth***
* Medical Research Council,**St Francis Hospital Nsambya,***London School of Hygiene

Background: Social, cultural, and economic gender inequalities limit women’s ability to protect themselves from infection. Microbicides offer a real possibility to help women to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS and other STIs. A phase II trial which included data collection on acceptability of microbicides was conducted in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods: Women aged 18 to 45 years were randomised to receive Dextrin Sulphate, twice daily (65) or placebo twice daily (15) or Dextrin sulphate pre-sex (10). They were interviewed after two and four weeks of gel use using a standardised closed questionnaire to explore gel acceptability.

Results: Responses are available from 69/80 women who were to use Dextrin Sulphate or placebo twice daily, and 8/10 of the women who were to use the substance pre-sex.

None of these respondents reported difficulties in inserting the substance, neither at 2 nor at 4 weeks.

27/55 women in the twice-daily arm using active gel and 5/14 of those using placebo and all eight women in the pre-sex arm expressed that the best characteristic of the gel was it’s possible capacity to prevent HIV transmission. 53/55 women using active gel twice daily and all women in the placebo and in the pre-sex groups stated that they would continue to use the gel if it was available for free. The same respondents said that they would recommend the use of the gel to others. The two remaining respondents declared that they would not use it, and would not recommend it to others.

11/55 women using active gel twice daily found the gel interfered with sex, due to too much lubrication (3), continuous itching (4) and being too slippery (4). Women using gel twice daily stated that the worst characteristics they felt about the gel included- irritation, bleeding, too frequent application, and a cold feeling.

Only 1/77 partners of trial participants using the gel was reported to have had a problem with the gel because it was too cold.

Conclusions: The findings of this research on acceptability of dextrin sulphate gel so far are encouraging. The majority of study participants expressed generally positive attitudes towards the use of Microbicides.

Miss Stella Namukwaya
P.O.Box 49 Entebbe
(Telephone) 041 320042 (Fax) 041 321137 (E-mail) winniemukwaya@yahoo.co.uk