For the first time, a vaginal gel with the capabilities of blocking the AIDS virus nears approval.
The results need to be confirmed in additional studies, and the level of protection most likely isn’t substantial to receive approval of the microbicide gel in countries such as the United States yet, researchers reiterate; however, scientist are still optimistic it will be approved.
Executive director of the World Health Organization’s UNAIDS program, Michel Sidibe states, “We are giving hope to women, who account for most new HIV infections.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci of the U.S National Institutes of Health said it’s the first time we’ve seen any microbicide give a positive result.” Scientist agrees this is true evidence of its relevant protection.
The gel, complied with the AIDS drug tenofovir, cut the risk of HIV infection by 50 percent after one year of use and 39 percent after 2 ½ years, compared to a gel that contained no medicine.
The gel also cut the chances of receiving HSV-2, the herpes virus that causes genital warts in half as well.
For this remarkable product to be licensed in the U.S., it needs an 80 percent effective rate. This might be probable by adding more tenofovir of getting women to use it more consistently. While conducting the research, the women on trial only used it 60 percent of the time.
Dr. Salim Abdool Karim, the South African researcher who led the study, notes even partial protection is huge victory that could be eradicated not only in poor countries, but for couples when one partner has HIV and the other doesn’t.
For further coverage of these medical advancements, and compelling arguments in its favor, continue reading at TulsaWorld.com. So what do you think Cincy? Could this gel be the latest invention to cease the spread of the HIV/AIDS virus?
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