A nanoparticle formulation of rilpivirine, topically applied in a thermosensitive gel, coated the reproductive tract of humanized mice and protected them from HIV infection after vaginal challenge.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with antiretrovirals can reduce the risk for acquiring HIV, but its effectiveness depends on adherence. One strategy to improve adherence and effectiveness is a long-acting crystalline nanoparticle suspension of rilpivirine. After intramuscular injection in humans, this drug has remained present at substantial levels in plasma, cervicovaginal fluid, and vaginal tissue for 84 days.
Using humanized bone marrow/liver/thymus (BLT) mice, investigators (some of them pharmaceutical industry employees) tested the effectiveness of rilpivirine in two different nanoformulations: a microbicidal gel that could be applied precoitally and a long-acting form for intramuscular administration. The gel used is liquid at room tem…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse
Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes; Vaccines
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesInternational Antiviral Society–USA (Board of Directors); Infectious Diseases Society of America (Past President)
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse
Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes; Vaccines
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesInternational Antiviral Society–USA (Board of Directors); Infectious Diseases Society of America (Past President)