'Invisible Condom' May Prevent
HIV and Herpes

By Melissa Schorr

NEW YORK, September 21, 2001 (Reuters Health) - A heat-activated, antimicrobial gel under development, known as the "invisible condom," was able to prevent the transmission of HIV and herpes when tested on cells in the laboratory, Canadian researchers report.

"This gel acts as a barrier," said study co-author Dr. Jocelyne Piret, leader of the project and a researcher at Laval University in Quebec City, Canada. "We have data that it is effective against herpes, it is also effective against HIV."

In their report, published in the August issue of the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases, the investigators explain that the gel successfully acted as a physical barrier blocking HIV-1 and the herpes simplex virus from infecting other cells.

The gel would contain microbicides such as sodium lauryl sulfate, which would further destroy the microbes. In addition to preventing the transmission of disease, the product would also act as a contraceptive, Piret said.

The researchers hope their gel may be less toxic than other spermicides currently on the market, such as nonoxynol-9, which the report indicates has been found to irritate the vaginal lining with frequent use and may actually foster the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

The gel is entering a Phase I clinical trial on female patients and could be on the market as soon as next year, Piret noted.

The gel would be applied in liquid form to the vaginal area with an applicator and turn to a gel formation upon encountering body heat. Because it begins in this fluid state, the gel seems to be able to spread into all crevices of the vaginal area. In the lab, the gel remained effective for as long as 6 hours, Piret added.

SOURCE: Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2001;28:484-491.