Anti-HIV-1 Microbicides - 'Chemical Condoms' Designed to Limit the Scourge of the HIV-1 Pandemic

The HIV pandemic continues to spread throughout the world, particularly affecting populations in developing countries. Women now comprise half of those infected. Efforts to limit this scourge need to be maximally implemented. A multi-faceted approach, including the research and advance of microbicides - or 'chemical condoms' - offers promise. Microbicides are self-administered, prophylactic products designed to protect against sexually transmitted pathogens, including HIV-1. Important features include safety, efficacy and user acceptability. This review summarizes some of the important products in the development pipeline.