Microbicides and their potential as a catalyst for multipurpose sexual and reproductive health technologies

There is an urgent need for technologies to prevent sexual acquisition of HIV infection in young women in sub-Saharan Africa. After two decades of 11 pivotal trials of seven products, anti-retroviral-based topical microbicides are showing promise. Building on the CAPRISA 004 trial findings, several trials of new anti-viral agents, novel delivery mechanisms and combination/multipurpose products that address challenges of adherence and meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of men and women, including preventing HIV infection, are underway.