WHO pulls plug on HIV trial
The search continues for an effective microbicide
Also In The News
|
Bolton have announced the signing of David Thompson from Portsmouth until the end of the season. |  |
Thursday, 01, Feb 2007 02:00
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has been forced to abandon the clinical trial of a microbicide cellulose sulfate designed to help stop the spread of HIV.
In a statement issued this morning, the WHO said higher rates of HIV transmission had been detected among the women using the microbicide compared to those on a placebo.
A microbicide usually takes the form of a gel or cream and is intended to protect against HIV during sexual intercourse.
Health campaigners believe that an effective microbicide would have a significant impact on the fight against one of the developing world's biggest killers.
"This is a disappointing and unexpected setback in the search for a safe and effective microbicide that can be used by women to protect themselves against HIV infection," the WHO statement said.
"Cellulose sulfate was one of four compounds being evaluated in large-scale studies of effectiveness among women at high risk of HIV infection."
The abandoned study was taking place in Benin, India, South Africa and Uganda.
There are three other similar trials taking place, but the first results will not be available until the end of this year.
Almost 40 million people are thought to be living with HIV/Aids worldwide and the disease claimed three million lives last year.