Researchers at the Oak Crest Institute of Science continue to distinguish themselves as leaders in the fight against HIV by publishing their groundbreaking research in some of the most prestigious scientific and medical journals available today.
This month, top scientists from around the world, including those from Oak Crest, share their most recent research findings in the newly published book – Frontiers in Clinical Drug Research – HIV. The eBook series, published by Bentham Science, brings updated reviews to readers interested in learning about advances in the development of pharmaceutical agents for the prevention and treatment of AIDS and other disorders associated with HIV infection.
The scope of the eBook series covers a range of topics including the medicinal chemistry and pharmacology of natural and synthetic drugs employed in the treatment of AIDS (including highly active antiretroviral therapy) and resulting complications, and the virology and immunological study of HIV and related viruses.
Volume two of this five-volume series presents important new developments in the form of cutting edge reviews written by experts in the field from around the world. Chapter 2, entitled “Vaginal Mucosal HIV PrEP: Fundamental Insights and Practical Considerations”, was written by Drs. John Moss and Marc Baum, Department of Chemistry, Oak Crest Institute of Science, and Dr. Richard Pyles, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.
The 100+ pages in Chapter 2 examine how the use of microbicidal agents for the prevention of HIV transmission and consequent infection is emerging as a promising strategy for controlling this global epidemic. “Sexual HIV transmission in resource-limited regions is driven by gender inequalities imposing a particular burden on women and girls,” says Dr. Marc Baum. “Topical microbicide administration directly to the vagina could play an important role in HIV prevention efforts, as this female-controlled approach leads to high local levels of anti-HIV compounds, while resulting in low systemic exposure. After twenty years of clinical investigation, however, this dosing route has had limited success.”
In their writings, Drs. Baum, Moss and Pyles explain that the vaginal mucosa is considered as the most common route of HIV transmission in women. The authors present a detailed overview of the classes of microbicides currently under investigation for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and share the results of their findings on the efficacy of those most likely to stop the transmission of HIV. “We hope that by sharing information regarding the dosage forms of these drugs, along with their associated challenges, and the role of interaction of the microbiome with the host in topical HIV prophylaxis, researchers will be able to more quickly develop the proper combination of pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of HIV and AIDS,” adds Dr. Baum.
Chapter two is open access and available for free download here.
Frontiers in Clinical Drug Research – HIV is a valuable resource for pharmaceutical scientists, clinicians and postgraduate students seeking updated and critically important information for developing clinical trials and devising research plans in HIV/AIDS research.