New Developments in HIV/AIDS Prevention

There are two new research studies that show great progress in working toward slowing the spread of HIV and AIDS. The first is a clinical trial that tested a topical gel similar to sexual lubricant. The product, PRO 2000, is a microbicide that supposedly binds itself to cells, preventing the virus from penetrating that cell. The study showed that women who used the gel were protected 30 percent better than those with the placebo. These results are probably not enough to get FDA approval in the United States, but other countries are considering its approval. It does seem like a step in the right direction: Finding a microbicide that can thwart the spread of HIV could be beneficial for many people. Women in poorer countries could benefit from access to the gel if they don