[Citizen News Service and IRMA are collaborating to amplify rectal microbicide research and advocacy, as well as IRMA-led initiatives, throughout AIDS 2012.] via Citizen New Service, by  Chief K.Masimba Biriwasha  Microbicide research has gained momentum in recent years with focus largely on products to prevent HIV during vaginal sex. However, there is a growing momentum to develop Read More >>

Earlier today at the International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012), IRMA co-hosted a well-attended satellite session on rectal microbicides with their partners Microbicide Trials Network (MTN) and AVAC. Ian McGowan from the MTN and Jim Pickett from IRMA presented on the science and advocacy (respectively) and were then joined by panelists from the United States, Kenya, and South Africa (Damon Humes, Rig Rush, Mitchell Read More >>

via HIVandHepatitis.com, by Liz Highleyman The 2 drugs in the Truvada pill — tenofovir and emtricitabine — reach different concentrations in human cervical, vaginal, and rectal mucosa tissues and fluids, according to new research published in the December 7, 2011, issue of Science Translational Medicine. Lower drug levels in the female genital tract suggest that women may Read More >>

via AAC Accepts, by Jeremy Nuttall, Angela Kashuba, Ruili Wang, Nicole White, Philip Allen, Jeffrey Roberts, and Joseph RomanoAbstract Tenofovir gel (1%) is being developed as a microbicide for the prevention of HIV infection, and has been shown to reduce transmission to women by 39%. The gel also prevents infection in macaques when applied intravaginally or intrarectally Read More >>

via Journal of the American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association, by Gilbert, Mark MD*; Kwag, Michael BA*; Mei, Wendy BSc†; Rank, Claudia MPH*‡; Kropp, Rhonda MSc‡; Severini, Alberto MD‡; van Niekerk, Dirk MD§; Zhou, Chen MD§; Press, Natasha MD¶; Ogilvie, Gina MD*; Wong, Tom MD‡; the ManCount Study Team  Background: Inclusion of self-collected rectal swabs (SCRS) into existing Read More >>

via European AIDS Treatment Group, by Michael Carter Viral load in the blood and rectal secretions of HIV-positive gay men are highly correlated, according to US research published in the September 1st edition of the Journal of Infectious Diseases. The study also showed that the presence of sexually transmitted infections did not increase rectal viral load. Individuals Read More >>

From aidsmap, by Roger Peabody In stable gay couples, where one partner is taking HIV treatment and the other is HIV-negative, the risk of HIV transmission is relatively low if condoms are not used following a recent undetectable viral load test result. However, using condoms on a few more occasions but without reference to viral load substantially Read More >>

via Aidsmap, by Gus Cairns “Rectal cells are more easily infected by HIV, a microbicide can make the most obvious difference to their vulnerability; it offers the most protection to the most easily-infected tissue cells, but makes less difference to less easily-infected tissue.” A number of presentations at the 2010 International Microbicides Conference in Pittsburgh concerned microbicide Read More >>

Hey everybody! My name is Christine Charles, and I am originally from Ft. Sill Lawton, Oklahoma, but due to the length of time I have lived in Orlando, Florida I call Florida home. Having completed four years at Florida State University with a B.A. in Psychology I was beyond excited to have a change of scenery, so Read More >>

Source It is painfully clear that treatment alone will not put a dent in the progression of the AIDS epidemic. Systemic pre-exposure administration of antiretroviral drugs provides protection against intravenous and rectal transmission of HIV in mice with human immune systems, according to a new study published January 21, 2010 in the online journal PLoS ONE. “These Read More >>