Microbicide shows anti-HIV effects in animal tests

An experimental microbicide and contraceptive gel, called Mandelic Acid Condensation Polymer and dubbed "SAMMA" by researchers, has been shown to block HIV and two strains of the herpes virus in animal testing, Reuters Health reports. "The tests performed so far suggest a high degree of safety," reported a team of researchers from Chicago's Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in the November issue of Fertility and Sterility. The compound was shown to completely inhibit infection by HIV, HSV-1, and HSV-2, and to have a lesser ability to block gonorrhea and chlamydia infection. Researchers are planning additional studies, including research on whether the compound, currently being studied only as a vaginal microbicide, might be effective in preventing anal HIV infections.