New Method to Help Protect Women from HIV

Researchers at University of Washington revealed that they have developed a better and faster way of delivering topical drugs that protect women from HIV virus and it could be as simple as using a tampon. The researchers said that the drug can be converted into thin silk-like fibers that dissolve when coming in contact with moisture. These fibers can be placed within an applicator similar to those used in inserting tampons and provide women with a simple and effective way of protecting themselves from HIV infection by inserting the drug load before they have sex. The study has been published in the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapies.

“We have achieved higher drug loading in our material such that you wouldn’t need to insert a large amount of these fibers to deliver enough of the drug to be helpful. This could offer women a potentially more effective, discreet way to protect themselves from HIV infection by inserting the drug-loaded materials into the vagina before sex”, lead author Cameron Ball said.

Source-Medindia