[IRMA press release]   Trial Design Significantly Enhanced By Strong Community Input October 2, 2013 – IRMA applauds the launch of the world’s first-ever Phase II rectal microbicide trial. The Microbicide Trial Network’s study, called MTN-017, will test a reduced glycerin formulation of tenofovir gel applied rectally. Volunteers consisting of gay men, other men who have sex Read More >>

— Now Playing —   “The Rectal Revolution is Here: An introduction to rectal microbicide clinical trials” on YouTube. The vid, developed by IRMA, Microbicide Trials Network, and Population Council, is available in English,  Spanish and Thai languages. Watch to learn about the need for rectal microbicides, how clinical trials work, and the importance of volunteers in the Read More >>

[Click here for the VOICE press release – “Daily HIV Prevention Approaches Didn’t Work for African Women in the VOICE Study” – from the Microbcide Trials Network] IRMA, like the rest of new prevention technology researchers and advocates, is disappointed to learn that daily oral Truvada was not found to be an effective HIV intervention among the African women at Read More >>

Below is an adapted version of the official MTN press release that went out moments ago on this study and associated PLoS One paper (“Is Wetter Better? An Evaluation of Over-the-Counter Personal Lubricants for Safety and Anti-HIV-1 Activity”). The IRMA modifications to the release – which do not alter any facts – underscore and emphasize that the study involved exposing human tissues to HIV in Read More >>

Check out this interesting mini-bio of  Clare Collins, the latest in IRMA’s “Meet a Friendly Rectal Microbicide Advocate” series on the IRMA website here.  Clare  is one of five new bios posted October 30, 2012. Clare CollinsPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA “I think rectal microbicides just make sense. The idea of a product that people might actually WANT to use Read More >>

via AIDSTAR-One, by Jim Pickett (IRMA chair) [This article was written for AIDSTAR-One’s “Spotlight on Prevention” series.] Until recently, microbicide research has focused on vaginal microbicides. Recent initiatives and ongoing studies highlight the need for safe and effective rectal microbicides as part of an essential HIV prevention toolkit. Around the turn of the millennium, the microbicide field Read More >>

via Citizen News Service, by Bobby Ramakant At the recently concluded XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012), not only the decibels went up on ending AIDS but also sane voices were heard demanding a well-costed and thought-through strategy on how to end AIDS. One of the strategies that will complement a comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment, care and Read More >>

via Citizen News Service, by Bobby Ramakant While interviewing a range of experts involved with research, development and advocacy of new HIV prevention tools at the recently concluded XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012), I was reminded of a transgender woman who had said to me in an interview four years back that: “There is no doubt Read More >>

[Citizen News Service and IRMA are collaborating to amplify rectal microbicide research and advocacy, as well as IRMA-led initiatives, throughout AIDS 2012.] via Citizens News Service, by Bobby Ramakant It is indeed promising to note the momentum rectal microbicides research and development has attained, more so when there is a global call to end AIDS at the Read More >>

Check out this interesting mini-bio of Wipas Wimonsate (Toon), the latest in IRMA’s “Meet a Friendly Rectal Microbicide Advocate” series on the IRMA website here.  Toon is one of the six new bios just posted the other day, including individuals from Thailand, Kenya and the US.  Each will be featured on the blog, and you can read all Read More >>