Thermogelling materials for the improved vaginal retention of bioactives

HIV is an immense problem for the population of sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for 69 % of the world’s HIV cases. Females in these countries are at risk of this disease, as they sometimes are unable to negotiate the use of barrier contraception. To this date there has been successful trials on pre-exposure prophylaxis treatment for HIV using intravaginal rings containing microbicides. However, there is a need for single-use products which reduce the patient’s exposure to drug, limiting side-effects. This would improve current prophylaxis treatment for HIV and assure the health and quality of life of women. Thermogelling materials are being investigated for this application