Tenofovir Anti-HIV Gel Prevents Transmission, Safe

Tenofovir based vaginal gel safely protects women from HIV transmission.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Pittsburgh researchers teamed up in a trial to examine efficiency of a new gel based on an anti-HIV drug Tenofovir. The research studied 200 sexually active women of ages from 19 to 50. The study lasted for 6 month.

64% of women participating in the study are married. Even married or those with long-term sexual partners are at high risk for HIV. From 70 to 90% of women are infected while heterosexual acts.

Study divided women into two groups: first group was instructed to use the gel every time they have sex within two hours, second group was instructed to use the gel daily. 80% women from the first group and 83% from the second group properly followed instructions. Both groups showed that the gel is safe for women, it didn't cause problems, such as liver or kidney disfunction, genital itching or burning.

"The gel is safe to use, and well tolerated by HIV-negative women. That's a key message in our findings. This sets the stage for larger studies to see if tenofovir can prevent HIV infection," said Dr. Craig Hoesley from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

The most reliable way for both sexes to prevent HIV transmission is condom use, but often women are unable to control partners for using condoms. Women need more tools, such as vaginal gel, to protect themselves from the disease. This explains why anti-HIV gel is a must and why this study plays significant role in HIV prevention plan.

"Based on what we have learned, we can proceed with greater confidence on a path that will answer whether tenofovir gel and other gels with HIV-specific compounds will be able to prevent sexual transmission of HIV in women when other approaches have failed to do so. It is a critical time for all of us engaged in HIV prevention, and I truly believe we are turning a corner," said Sharon L. Hillier from the University of Pittsburg School of Medicine.