ICMR developed a broad spectrum microbicide which can prevent HIV infection.

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From Mumbai, a food preservative to help fight HIV

By IE, Thursday July 19, 05:07 AM

The National Institute of Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai has

something new to offer in the fight against HIV. Scientists at the

institute have developed a broad spectrum microbicide which can

prevent HIV infection.

The new formulation-Carrageenan Buffer Gel named NISCAR-is an

effective anti-HIV agent, besides being an effective anti-STI

(sexually transmitted infection) agent and a contraceptive, says

Deputy Director Dr K V R Reddy. NIRRH has already carried out pre-

clinical safety tests of the gel on animals, and the National AIDS

Research Institute, Pune too has confirmed its anti-HIV property,

said Dr Smita Kulkarni of NARI.

Microbicides are formulations in the form of gel, cream or tablet

that can be applied inside the vagina to prevent sexually transmitted

diseases, including HIV. At present, some 60 compounds are being

evaluated across the world for their microbicidal qualities, and

researchers believe, if successful, microbicides may empower women

against HIV.

India, now, has two clinical trials to look forward to - the Praneem

polyherbal vaginal tablet that has completed phase II trials at NARI,

and a global trial of another microbicide, tenofovir gel.

NISCAR is a peptide that is used for food preservation and anti-

bacterial activity. It is isolated from bacteria (Lactococus lactis)

and is cationic (positively charged) in nature, something that

differentiates it from other microbicides, which are undergoing phase

III trials on humans and are mostly synthetic.

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