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NIRRH To Unveil One Of Its Microbicide By June
Falaknaaz Syed - Mumbai
The National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health,
a part of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated a research
programme to develop microbicides for prevention of sexually transmitted infections
(STIs) including HIV. Microbicides are chemical formulations, which on application
in the vagina can protect women from sexual transmission of infections. The
Institute is likely to unveil one of its microbicide, isolated from the haemolymph
(blood) of Indian mud crab, by June this year. The identified molecule also
has the potential of blocking the movement of sperms and hence can also be used
as a contraceptive. Extensive preclinical reproductive toxicology studies carried
out with the crab-product have cleared further development. NIRRH will file
a patent on this new chemical.
NIRRH has been involved in extensive work in the area of microbicides
since last four years. Currently, five different types of microbicides are in
different stages of preclinical and clinical trials at the Institute. The products,
which have been tested clinically, include praneem polyherbal formulations and
six per cent cellulose sulphate.
The identification of novel microbicidal compounds is one
of the most rapidly expanding areas of HIV prevention-research world over. About
60 products are currently in the pipeline, 34 are in the pre-clinical stages
of development, 15 are in Phase I safety trials, four are in Phase II expanded
safety and preliminary effectiveness trials (savvy cream, Emmelle gel, Lactobacillus
Crispatus, suppository and Praneem Polyherbal suppository) and three are about
to enter Phase II/III (BufferGel and Pro-2000 gel) or phase III (Carraguard
gel) trials.
"This is a reflection of the realisation by various agencies
for preventing further spread of STIs. Nonetheless, there is a need for enhanced
funding as well as redefining regulatory requirements to facilitate the development
of a microbicide," says Dr Chander Puri, Director, NIRRH.
The most likely scenario suggests that a first-generation
microbicide could have a global market for USD 900 million by 2011 in industrialised
and developing countries. However, major pharmaceutical companies are not investing
in microbicide development because the ROI in the first generation microbicide
may not be attractive.
Over 333 million curable reproductive tract infections (RTIs)
occur globally in the 15-49 year age group each year, of which approximately
173 million occur in Asia. The presence of RTIs, facilitates the acquisition
and transmission of HIV infection.
"Public health benefit of microbicides will be maximal among
the high-risk community where the level of condom use is low. In India, the
findings from a district level modelling analysis, which estimates the impact
of a partially effective microbicide, indicate that a 40 per cent and 60 per
cent efficacious microbicide would avert 18 per cent and 35 per cent of the
expected HIV infections, respectively. Also a microbicide will empower the woman
as it will be a woman controlled method of contraception" said Dr Puri.
Research in this area needs further encouragement by enhancing
financial support as well through human resource development, he added.
falak@expresshealthcaremgmt.com
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