Researchers have announced a potential breakthrough in HIV prevention. They tested a vaginal gel on monkeys that can protect against the HIV virus even when used up to three hours after having sex.
The findings, published in Science Translational Magazine, could lead to new ways to for women to combat HIV. They found that the gel, which uses antiretroviral drug raltegravir, worked in 5 out of 6 monkeys who had been exposed to the HIV virus mixed with a related monkey virus.
“It’s a promising after-sex vaginal gel to prevent HIV infection…Studies still need to be done to look at the window [of opportunity] – is it six, eight, 24 hours?” said Dr. Charles Dobard to BBC News.
Vaginal gels for HIV prevention have had mixed success in human clinical trials. However, this is the first of its kind that can be applied after sex. Larger clinical trials would be needed in order to test this new treatment.
If this drug can be approved, it can be a major milestone in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The ability to use it after sex is especially encouraging for the battle in countries where many women transmit the disease after incidences of domestic violence or rape. If they could have access to this gel, they can have a fighting chance of at least avoiding the virus.