China experts design gel to protect women from HIV

Tan Ee Lyn Reuters 09/30/2010 21:04

Scientists in China and Hong Kong are designing a gel containing an experimental drug which they hope can reduce HIV infections in women.

The search for such a prophylaxis is gaining urgency in China with sex becoming the number one mode of HIV transmission and new HIV infections rising sharply among Chinese women.

The gel acts as an "entry inhibitor" -- blocking the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from gaining entry into host cells, Chen Zhiwei, director of the AIDS Institute at the University of Hong Kong, said in an interview.

The experimental treatment drug used in this gel has passed animal tests and a small safety test in people, Chen said.

Chen and his colleagues are now preparing to convert it into a microbicide - a gel that is inserted into the vagina or rectum before sex to prevent transmission of HIV, which causes AIDS.

"We are using it as a microbicide, to be used topically to prevent transmission in women. Women are disadvantaged during sexual intercourse, that's why we try to provide some means to women to control their lives," Chen said.

The Chinese gel will undergo three clinical trials, with the last taking place in an area with high HIV incidence rates.