Promising microbicide piloted in British-funded trial turns out to be ineffective
Sarah Boseley, health editor
Hopes of a breakthrough that would allow women to protect themselves from HIV have been dashed with today’s revelation from a large, British-funded trial that a promising microbicide has turned out to be ineffective.
Britain’s Medical Research Council (MRC) and the department for international development (DfID) had backed the trial in four African countries, involving 9,385 women. But after four years and significant investment, scientists have been forced to conclude that the PRO 2000 gel does not prevent HIV/Aids.
Dr Sheena McCormack of the MRC, chief investigator of the trial known as MDP 301, said they were deeply disappointed, but that the search must go on. Read More…
