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Vaginal Drug Delivery Systems for HIV Prevention

  • Emerging Drug Delivery Technologies
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Abstract

Microbicides have become a principal focus for HIV prevention strategies. The successful design of drug delivery systems for vaginal microbicide drug candidates brings with it a multitude of challenges. It is imperative that the chemical and physical characteristics of the drug candidate and its mechanism of action be clearly understood and considered to successfully deliver and target drug candidates efficiently. In addition, an understanding of the dynamic nature of the vaginal environment, the tissue and innate barriers present, as well as patient preferences are critical considerations in the design of effective microbicide products. Although the majority of drug candidates clinically evaluated to date have been delivered using conventional semisolid aqueous-based gel dosage forms, drug delivery system design has recently been extended to include advanced delivery systems such as vaginal rings, quick-dissolve films, and tablets. Ultimately, it may be necessary to develop multiple dosage platforms for a single active agent to provide users with options that can be used within the constraints of their social environment, personal choice, and environmental conditions.

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Acknowledgment

The author’s research was supported in part by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIAID.

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  1. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

    Lisa Cencia Rohan & Alexandra B. Sassi

  2. Magee Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, B509, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, USA

    Lisa Cencia Rohan

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  1. Lisa Cencia Rohan
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Rohan, L.C., Sassi, A.B. Vaginal Drug Delivery Systems for HIV Prevention. AAPS J 11, 78–87 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1208/s12248-009-9082-7

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