Development of a microbicide-releasing diaphragm as an HIV prevention strategy

Contraceptive diaphragms offer a discreet method of pregnancy protection that women can use when needed with no side effects. Incorporating antiretroviral HIV microbicides into such devices may also provide protection against HIV infection. The paper gives a brief outline of the work being conducted by PATH, CONRAD and QUB on the development of a microbicide-releasing SILCS diaphragm. The design, engineering and manufacturing challenges that have been encountered will be discussed, as well as the potential impact such a device could have in the developing world.