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Vartak R, Jablonski J, Deore B, Mediouni S, Sanhueza CA, Valente ST, Patel K. Bictegravir nanomicelles and anionic pullulan loaded vaginal film: Dual mechanistic pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 221:416-25. [PMID: 36075305 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.08.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Locally delivered pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has proven to be a promising strategy to combat Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission but several findings encountered toxicities or proved to be marginally effective in clinical settings. Therefore, innovative, multifunctional, and safer alternatives are being progressively investigated. Herein, we explored negatively charged carbohydrate, anionic pullulan (AP) as a rapidly soluble film-former and novel anti-HIV agent. Additionally, Bictegravir (BCT), an HIV integrase inhibitor was co-delivered in the form of nanomicelles for sustained antiviral activity. BCT-loaded PLGA-PEG polymeric nanomicelles (BN) were incorporated into PVA/pullulan-based film matrix comprising of 2 % w/v AP (BN-AP film). In cell-based assays, biocompatibility and TEER values for BN-AP films were similar to control while the commercial vaginal contraceptive film (VCF®) showed severe cytotoxicity and drastically reduced the tight junction integrity. Rapid disintegration of BN-AP film with >85 % drug release was observed in simulated vaginal and seminal fluid. Most importantly, AP and BN-AP film significantly inhibited HIV-1 replication with IC50 at as low as 91 μg/mL and 0.708 nM, respectively. Therefore, this study entails successful development of BN-AP film that functioned as an effective, biocompatible dual-acting PrEP formulation.
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Calvo NL, Tejada G, Svetaz LA, Quiroga AD, Alvarez VA, Lamas MC, Leonardi D. Development and optimization of a new tioconazole vaginal mucoadhesive film using an experimental design strategy. Physicochemical and biological characterization. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2021; 205:114303. [PMID: 34391134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A new tioconazole (TCZ) mucoadhesive film, based on a biodegradable chitosan/ hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (CH/HPMC) blend, was developed for treatment of vaginal candidiasis. The formulation was optimized through an I-optimal design (minimizing the integral of the prediction variance across the factor space), where the impact of the proportion of the ingredients and processing variables on the quality of the final product was evaluated. Both, the thickness of the film and the swelling index, which affect patients' comfort and compliance, were considered. Mechanical testing, such as load at break, elongation at break, and mucoadhesive strength were also included as dependent variables. The optimal mucoadhesive film formulation, which should be obtained at a drying temperature of 30 °C, was found to include the combination of CH and HPMC (forming polymers) at 0.25:0.75 ratio, a mixture of polyethylene glycol 400 and propylene glycol as plasticizers (0.07:0.93, 5% w/w), and TCZ loaded at 15 % w/w. The optimal preparation was subjected to exhaustive characterization studies, which revealed that the drug was entrapped in the polymeric matrix in an amorphous state and that the film exhibited a smooth and uniform surface, demonstrating excellent component compatibility. In vitro tests showed that the formulation has an excellent time to kill value (3 min) and lacks cytotoxicity, suggesting that it should be highly effective and safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia L Calvo
- Instituto de Química Rosario (IQUIR, CONICET-UNR), Suipacha 570, Rosario, S2002LRK, Argentina; Área Análisis de Medicamentos, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario, S2002LRK, Argentina.
| | - Guillermo Tejada
- Área Técnica Farmacéutica, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario, S2002LRK, Argentina
| | - Laura A Svetaz
- Área Farmacognosia, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario, S2002LRK, Argentina
| | - Ariel D Quiroga
- Instituto de Fisiología Experimental (IFISE, CONICET-UNR), Suipacha 570, Rosario, S2002LRL, Argentina
| | - Vera A Alvarez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales (INTEMA, CONICET-UNMdP), Colón 10890, Mar del Plata, 7600, Argentina
| | - María C Lamas
- Instituto de Química Rosario (IQUIR, CONICET-UNR), Suipacha 570, Rosario, S2002LRK, Argentina; Área Técnica Farmacéutica, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario, S2002LRK, Argentina
| | - Darío Leonardi
- Instituto de Química Rosario (IQUIR, CONICET-UNR), Suipacha 570, Rosario, S2002LRK, Argentina; Área Técnica Farmacéutica, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario, S2002LRK, Argentina.
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Patki M, Vartak R, Jablonski J, Mediouni S, Gandhi T, Fu Y, Cetindag E, Dave R, Valente ST, Patel K. Efavirenz nanomicelles loaded vaginal film (EZ film) for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of HIV. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2020; 194:111174. [PMID: 32540766 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) using oral or vaginal microbicide is an emerging and effective strategy to prevent HIV transmission. Vaginal film is becoming more acceptable and a convenient dosage form compared to cream, gel and suppository. Extremely poor aqueous solubility of efavirenz (EFV) limits its use as vaginal microbicide. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a monomeric surfactant free, rapidly soluble vaginal film of EFV (EZ film). EZ film was prepared using a tetrafunctional block polymer (Tetronic 1107), carrageenan and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by solvent evaporation method. First, different solubilizers were screened for EFV solubility, in vitro cytotoxicity and cell membrane integrity assay on HeLa cells. Optimized film was characterized for solid state, mechanical strength, epithelial integrity, in vitro drug release in simulated vaginal fluid (SVF), simulated seminal fluid (SSF) and in vitro anti-HIV activity. Optimized EZ film showed a particle size of 48 ± 3.8 nm with PDI of 0.299. Differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) thermogram suggested the complete amorphization of EFV within the film. EZ film rapidly disintegrated (30 s) with complete release of EFV in SVF and SSF. The film was found to be non-toxic to HeLa cells and showed similar anti-HIV-1 activity as that of EFV in DMSO. EZ film did not show any significant change in the TEER value in HEC 1A cell line. Hence, the findings from the current study strongly suggest that the EZ film could be a cost-effective and convenient dosage form for PrEP of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manali Patki
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, NY, USA
| | - Richa Vartak
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Jablonski
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Sonia Mediouni
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Tasneem Gandhi
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, NY, USA
| | - Yige Fu
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, NY, USA
| | - Eylul Cetindag
- New Jersey Center for Engineered Particulates, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Rajesh Dave
- New Jersey Center for Engineered Particulates, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Susana T Valente
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Ketan Patel
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, NY, USA.
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McKinley D, Patel SK, Regev G, Rohan LC, Akil A. Delineating the effects of hot-melt extrusion on the performance of a polymeric film using artificial neural networks and an evolutionary algorithm. Int J Pharm 2019; 571:118715. [PMID: 31560958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to utilize an artificial neural network (ANN) in conjunction with an evolutionary algorithm to investigate the relationship between hot melt extrusion (HME) process parameters and vaginal film performance. Investigated HME process parameters were: barrel temperature, screw speed, and feed rate. Investigated film performance attributes were: percent dissolution at 30 min, puncture strength, and drug content. An ANN model was successfully developed and validated with a root mean squared error of 0.043 and 0.098 for training and validation, respectively. Of all three assessed process parameters, the model revealed that barrel temperature has a significant impact on film performance. An increase in barrel temperature resulted in increased dissolution and punctures strength and decreased drug content. Additionally, a successful implementation of an evolutionary algorithm was carried out in order to demonstrate the potential applicability of the developed ANN model in film formulation optimization. In this analysis, the values predicted of film performance attributes were within 1% error of the experimental data. The findings of this study provide a quantitative framework to understand the relationship between HME parameters and film performance. This quantitative framework has the potential to be used for film formulation development and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- DeAngelo McKinley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Sravan Kumar Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Galit Regev
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Lisa C Rohan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Ayman Akil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA.
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Guthrie KM, Rohan L, Rosen RK, Vargas SE, Shaw JG, Katz D, Kojic EM, Ham AS, Friend D, Buckheit KW, Buckheit RW. Vaginal film for prevention of HIV: using visual and tactile evaluations among potential users to inform product design. Pharm Dev Technol 2017; 23:311-314. [PMID: 28592183 DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2017.1339085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Topical prevention of HIV and other STIs is a global health priority. To provide options for users, developers have worked to design safe, effective and acceptable vaginal dissolving film formulations. We aimed to characterize user experiences of vaginal film size, texture and color, and their role in product-elicited sensory perceptions (i.e. perceptibility), acceptability and willingness to use. In the context of a user-centered product evaluation study, we elicited users' 'first impressions' of various vaginal film formulation designs via visual and tactile prototype inspection during a qualitative user evaluation interview. Twenty-four women evaluated prototypes. Participants considered size and texture to be important for easy insertion. Color was more important following dissolution than prior to insertion. When asked to combine and balance all properties to arrive at an ideal film, previously stated priorities for individual characteristics sometimes shifted, with the salience of some individual characteristics lessening when multiple characteristics were weighted in combination. While first impressions alone may not drive product uptake, users' willingness to initially try a product is likely impacted by such impressions. Developers should consider potential users' experiences and preferences in vaginal film design. This user-focused approach is useful for characterizing user sensory perceptions and experiences relevant to early design of prevention technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Guthrie
- a Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine , The Miriam Hospital , Providence , RI , USA.,b Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior , The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University , Providence , RI , USA.,c Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences , Brown University School of Public Health , Providence , RI , USA
| | - L Rohan
- d Magee-Womens Research Institute , Pittsburgh , PA , USA.,e University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - R K Rosen
- a Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine , The Miriam Hospital , Providence , RI , USA.,c Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences , Brown University School of Public Health , Providence , RI , USA
| | - S E Vargas
- a Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine , The Miriam Hospital , Providence , RI , USA.,b Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior , The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University , Providence , RI , USA
| | - J G Shaw
- a Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine , The Miriam Hospital , Providence , RI , USA
| | - D Katz
- f Biomedical Engineering and Obstetrics/Gynecology, Duke University , Durham , NC , USA
| | - E M Kojic
- g Division of Immunology , The Miriam Hospital , Providence , RI , USA
| | - A S Ham
- h ImQuest BioSciences, Inc , Frederick , MD , USA
| | | | - K W Buckheit
- h ImQuest BioSciences, Inc , Frederick , MD , USA
| | - R W Buckheit
- h ImQuest BioSciences, Inc , Frederick , MD , USA
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Fan MD, Kramzer LF, Hillier SL, Chang JC, Meyn LA, Rohan LC. Preferred Physical Characteristics of Vaginal Film Microbicides for HIV Prevention in Pittsburgh Women. Arch Sex Behav 2017; 46:1111-1119. [PMID: 27571742 PMCID: PMC5332429 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-016-0816-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Unprotected heterosexual intercourse is the leading cause of HIV acquisition in women. Due to the complex nature of correct and consistent condom use by both men and women, developing alternative female-controlled HIV prevention options is a global health priority. Vaginal films containing antiretroviral drugs are a potential delivery system for the prevention of HIV acquisition through sexual contact. In this study, we explored women's preferences regarding physical characteristics of microbicide vaginal films through questionnaires and focus groups. Eighty-four sexually active, ethnically diverse women 18-30 years of age from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, participated in the study. Women visually and manually examined a variety of vaginal films, as well as three other vaginal products undergoing evaluation for HIV prevention: tablet, ring, and gel. Means and standard deviations or frequencies and 95 % confidence intervals were calculated for questionnaire data. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded for content analysis. Women most frequently preferred vaginal films to be smooth and thin (63 %), translucent (48 %), and 2″ × 2″ square size (36 %). Driving these preferences were five major themes: ease and accuracy of use, desire for efficacy, discretion, intravaginal comfort and minimal impact, and minimizing disruption of sexual mood/activities. Women's preferences for various microbicide vaginal film physical attributes represented a balance of multiple values. In general, women desired a comfortable, efficacious, easy to use, and minimally intrusive product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria D Fan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lindsay F Kramzer
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Room B509, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Sharon L Hillier
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Room B509, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Judy C Chang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Room B509, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Leslie A Meyn
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Room B509, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Lisa C Rohan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Room B509, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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das Neves J, Martins JP, Sarmento B. Will dapivirine redeem the promises of anti-HIV microbicides? Overview of product design and clinical testing. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2016; 103:20-32. [PMID: 26732684 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Microbicides are being developed in order to prevent sexual transmission of HIV. Dapivirine, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, is one of the leading drug candidates in the field, currently being tested in various dosage forms, namely vaginal rings, gels, and films. In particular, a ring allowing sustained drug release for 1month is in an advanced stage of clinical testing. Two parallel phase III clinical trials are underway in sub-Saharan Africa and results are expected to be released in early 2016. This article overviews the development of dapivirine and its multiple products as potential microbicides, with particular emphasis being placed on clinical evaluation. Also, critical aspects regarding regulatory approval, manufacturing, distribution, and access are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- José das Neves
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde & Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, Gandra, Portugal.
| | - João Pedro Martins
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde & Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, Gandra, Portugal
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Grammen C, Van den Mooter G, Appeltans B, Michiels J, Crucitti T, Ariën KK, Augustyns K, Augustijns P, Brouwers J. Development and characterization of a solid dispersion film for the vaginal application of the anti-HIV microbicide UAMC01398. Int J Pharm 2014; 475:238-44. [PMID: 25175729 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2014.08.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this work was to design and evaluate a vaginal film delivery system for UAMC01398, a novel non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor currently under investigation for use as an anti-HIV microbicide. UAMC01398 (1mg) films consisting of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) in different ratios were prepared by solvent evaporation. Based on its flexibility, softness and translucent appearance, the 30% PEG400 and 70% HPMC containing film was selected for further assessment. The vaginal film formulation was fast-dissolving (<10 min in 1 mL of vaginal fluid simulant), stable up to at least one month and safe toward epithelial cells and lactobacilli. Furthermore, formulating UAMC01398 into the film dosage form did not influence its antiviral activity. Powder X-ray diffraction revealed the amorphous nature of the UAMC01398 film, resulting in enhanced compound permeation across the epithelial HEC-1A cell layer, presumably owing to the induction of supersaturation. The in vivo vaginal tissue uptake of UAMC01398 in rabbits, as measured by systemic concentrations, was increased compared to the previously established non-solubilizing gel (significant difference) and sulfobutyl ether-β-cyclodextrin (5%) containing gel. To conclude, we identified a film formulation suitable for the vaginal delivery of UAMC01398.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Johan Michiels
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tania Crucitti
- HIV/STD Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kevin K Ariën
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Koen Augustyns
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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