Formulation and Delivery of Microbicides

The development of pre-exposure prophylactics or microbicide products for the reduction or elimination of the sexual transmission of HIV has numerous challenges or barriers to success. Historically traditional dosage forms such as gels have been developed in the field but more recently controlled release dosage forms such as vaginal rings and novel dosage forms such as polymeric thin films have been studied. Studies have begun to incorporate scientific strategies into the formulation design of microbicide products in order to develop safer and more effective products. In addition advanced drug delivery strategies to overcome barriers to delivery and specific drug targeting methods are being employed. In the present review, a comprehensive discussion of formulation efforts and novel delivery strategies in the field of microbicide product development is presented.