Photo: Geoff Oliver Bugbee
IPM advances microbicide candidates that have shown a good safety profile in a preclinical research program through a series of clinical trials.
Acceptability Studies: IPM places high importance on identifying and addressing the social and behavioral aspects of microbicide research from the early stages of our product development efforts. IPM sometimes uses a consumer market research approach to assess product acceptability. To guide product development, information on cultural and sexual practices, risk reduction behaviors, and partner acceptability is also gathered in a variety of settings in developing countries.
HIV Incidence Studies: HIV incidence studies are designed to assess, through regular HIV testing and counseling, the rate of new infections in a community. These studies help identify settings that are suitable for microbicide efficacy trials.
Clinical Trials: Clinical trials are carried out sequentially to ensure only promising candidates advance through all stages of testing. The first, smaller trials determine the safety profile of the product and are followed by larger efficacy trials, which take three or more years and typically involve thousands of volunteers.