The IQP-0528 is a new antiretroviral also being studied in the form of a vaginal ring. It has two actions: Inhibit entry of the virus in healthy cells and reverse transcriptase activity—where HIV uses the cell to make more copies of itself. “This formula has unique properties and so we had this preference,” said researcher Anthony Ham of ImQuest Bio Sciences, a US pharmaceutical company.

The film is done with a synthetic vaginal plastic used in biomedical products such as contraceptives and contact lenses. The material was effective against multiple strains of HIV and was not toxic to cells results or adverse effects on vaginal flora. The film disintegrates in about 10 minutes and releases the antiretrovials. “The results were promising in the laboratory, but further tests are needed,” said Ham.

During M2010, other tests were made involving other technologies such as tablets and vaginal rings, all of which remain in the first phase of testing.

The conference’s theme is “Building bridges for HIV prevention.” The conference brings together researchers from over 35 countries in Pittsburgh until Tuesday May 25.