| Microbicides Entering Phase III Clinical Trials | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of Action | Microbicide Name | Description | Potential Pregnancy Prevention? | Potential STI/HIV Protection* |
| Vaginal defense enhancer | BufferGel (carbomer 974P) | Polymer gel reinforces vaginal acidity by acidifying the ejaculate. | Yes | HIV, chlamydia, herpes, HPV |
| Surfactant | C31G (Savvy) | Detergent disrupts viral, bacterial, and cell membranes, including those of sperm. | Yes | HIV, chlamydia, herpes |
| Entry and fusion inhibitor | Carraguard (PC-515) | Carrageenan (derived from seaweed) binds to viruses to block them from attaching to and infecting healthy cells. | No | Herpes, HPV, gonorrhea |
| PRO 2000 (polynaphthalene sulfonate) | Binds to viruses and bacteria to prevent them from attaching to and infecting healthy cells. | Yes | HIV, gonorrhea, herpes | |
| Cellulose sulfate (Ushercell) | Binds to viruses and bacteria to prevent them from attaching to and infecting healthy cells. | Yes | Gonorrhea | |
|
* As demonstrated in animal models Info Reports |
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