HIV ‘prevention’ gel PRO 2000 proven ineffective

HIV ?prevention? gel PRO 2000 proven ineffective. Results of Microbicides Development Programme trial announced - %0A > - Under strict embargo until: - 07. GMT - Mondday 14 December 2009 The largest international clinical trial to date into a preventative HIV gel has found no evidence that the vaginal microbicide, PRO 2000, reduces the risk of HIV infection in women, scientists announced today. Point-of-care nanosensors for HIV diagnosis and monitoring, to be developed with £2 million award - This placebo-controlled trial, co-led by Imperial College London, involved 9,385 women at six research centres in four African countries and found that the risk of HIV infection in women who were supplied with PRO 2000 gel was not significantly different than in women supplied with placebo gel. Although ineffective in providing protection, PRO 2000 gel itself was safe to use. A vaginal microbicide is a product intended for use before sexual intercourse to help reduce HIV infection, as it is clear that condom promotion alone has not controlled the epidemic. The gel was given to participants together with a package of prevention against HIV infection that included free condoms, counselling for safer sex negotiation and sexual health throughout the trial.