Friend DR. An update on multipurpose prevention technologies for the prevention of HIV transmission and pregnancy.
Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2016;
13:533-45. [PMID:
26742698 DOI:
10.1517/17425247.2016.1134485]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (MPTs) are designed to address two or more indications from a single product. The overall goal is to prevent unintended pregnancy and transmission of one or more STIs including HIV-1.
AREAS COVERED
The topics covered herein are advances in over the past three years. Advances include development of novel intravaginal rings capable of releasing microbicides to prevent transmission of HIV-1 and unintended pregnancy. These rings include the potential to prevent transmission of more than one STI and unintended pregnancy. There are also gels that can potentially accomplish the same thing. Finally, combination of a drug and barrier device are also covered.
EXPERT OPINION
There has been considerable advance in this field over the past three years. There is one ring currently in a Phase I clinical trial and others are soon to follow. Some of these drug delivery systems are by necessity rather complicated and hence could be prohibitively expensive in the developing world. Conducting multiple clinical trials to support regulatory approval of two or more indications represents a significant barrier. It remains unclear that women will be more motivated to use MPT products than has been observed in recent microbicide-only clinical trials. Despite these challenges, the need for MPTs remain acute hopefully ensuring they will continue to be developed over the coming years.
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