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Patented drugs allowed in microbicide research

    JOHANNESBURG

    A deal struck between GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and the International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM) will allow the use of some of Glaxo's patented AIDS compounds in IPM's research.

    The Glaxo pact "is the first step in a long process of identifying products that might make good microbicides", IPM chief executive Zeda Rosenberg told the Wall Street Journal.

    A microbicide is any substance that can substantially reduce transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when applied either in the vagina or rectum. Although none are currently available, scientists are pursuing over 60 product leads.

    According to IPM, the GSK compounds will be blended with microbicidal creams or gels that could protect millions of women from infection, especially in developing countries.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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