Making It Happen: UNC Center for AIDS Research: MICROBICIDE GEL SLASHES WOMEN'S RISK for HIV

Dearest people in the fight against HIV: Huge News.

The CAPRISA Project, at the 2010 International AIDS Conference in Vienna, has come out as the first ever successful "proof of concept" that a microbicide gel (in topical, vaginal application) can effectively prevent HIV transmission in women. YES.

And guess who was a major part of the CAPRISA Team alongside South African Doctors (Husband and Wife Team Drs. Abdool-Karim) and Participants?

UNC Center for AIDS Research principal partner FHI (Family Health International: http://fhi.org/)

and

The UNC Center for AIDS Research's own Dr. Angela Kashuba, of the CPAC Core (Clinical Pharmacology and Analytical Chemistry: http://cfar-cpacc.unc.edu/ is their brand new website!)

This is a FIRST in the fight against AIDS, and comes after a long battle to put protection against HIV transmission into women's hands. Most women had 39% efficacy when using the gel, with some experiencing up to 54% efficacy in preventing sexual transmission of HIV when topically applying the microbicide, which concentrates Tenofovir, an Anti-Retroviral Drug (ARV) given by Gilead Pharmaceuticals, into a gel form women can use vaginally before and after intercourse. Check out the press here below (it is epic, and rightfully so).

Also be sure to look out for our upcoming CENTER FOR AIDS RESEARCH DOCUMENTARY which will feature footage of the standing ovation given to the Caprisa Team at the International AIDS Conference 2010 in Vienna, when presenting their findings (where you'll see our own Dr. Angela Kashuba presenting beautifully on the panel, about the #s and understandings of how the drugs "work" in the body).

Encouraged and heartened by all this hard work,

from many heroic minds, efforts and visions come true in collaboration

(that is the spirit of the UNC CFAR, and of this CAPRISA project in which it so meaningfully took part),

Marie and the

UNC CODE Office