An invisible gel condom that protects women against AIDS seems like a fairy tale. But according to the newest reports, Pfizer has passed along, without royalties, their newest HIV drug to a group of researchers that want to find the “holy grail” of STD preventions; a gel or cream that will protect women from the deadly virus.
The newest HIV drug is called Maraviroc, or more commonly Selzentry and Celsentri. How do these drugs work against HIV? They prevent the virus from entering the cells it infects and thus destroys them. Maraviroc is one of a new class of HIV drugs called CCR5 blockers, which prevents the virus from getting into the cells it infects.
The development of a cream or gel is still in the works as attempts have so far failed. When discovered, this new age protection will be inserted vaginally or anally to protect against HIV. It will be distributed in developing countries, without royalty fees, and it is hoped to slow, or even stop, the epidemic that is sweeping the globe.
So far, no vaccine or medication is available to prevent HIV. Condoms are the only way to go. The problem is the reluctance or refusal to wear them. Adding to this, some cultures and religions disallow the use of condoms. The cost? Millions of women are suffering from having contracted the virus because of their husband’s blatant refusal to use protection. Developing new drugs and protection will hopefully curve the number of women who contract the deadly virus because of having been forced into having unprotected sex.
[Source: YahooNews]
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