Compiles for the first time in one book current knowledge and recent developments on the field of microbicide drug delivery and formulation
Includes contributions from both leading academics in the field and scientists engaged in the development of products currently undergoing clinical testing
Stands as a reference work of the multidisciplinary and rational development of anti-HIV microbicide products
Summary
The worldwide impact of HIV/AIDS is well recognized. This book provides for the first time a thorough and critical overview of current aspects, recent developments, and trends in the formulation and drug delivery concerning anti-HIV microbicides by leading scientists in the field. Additionally, pertinent regulatory aspects and socioeconomical issues related to the subject are discussed. In the absence of a cure, prophylaxis represents a cornerstone in the battle against infection. One promising strategy comprises the use around the time of sexual intercourse of vaginal/rectal products containing antiviral compounds, termed microbicides. It is now recognized that specific development of drug dosage forms and/or drug delivery systems is an indispensable aspect for the success of microbicides. Different groups strived over the last decade to optimize the biophysical and technological performance of traditional dosage forms (gels, tablets, and suppositories) to fulfill the specificities of microbicides use, without neglecting users' preferences and affordability issues. Moreover, new formulation approaches, such as vaginal rings and films, nanotechnology-based systems, stimuli-sensitive formulations, targeted drug delivery systems, among others have been proposed and are currently undergoing pre-clinical or even clinical testing.

Table of Contents
Preface
Microbicides and the HIV Pandemic
HIV Transmission Models: Lessons Learned for Microbicide Formulation Design
Challenges in Microbicide Drug Delivery: Identifying Targets and Evolving Strategies
Safety Issues Related with Microbicide Formulations
Biophysics, Drug Transport Modeling and Performance of Microbicide Formulations
Dosage Forms for Microbicides Formulation: Advantages and Pitfalls
Microbicide Vaginal Rings
Vaginal Microbicide Films
Rectal Microbicide Development, Formulation and Delivery
Design of Stimuli-Sensitive Microbicide Formulations
Nanotechnology-Based Systems for Microbicide Development; Nanofibers for Microbicide Drug Delivery
Modified Microflora for Microbicide Drug Delivery
Scale-up, Affordability and Intellectual Property Issues Related with Microbicide Formulation Development
Regulatory Issues Pertaining Microbicide Products
Socioeconomic and Behavioral Factors Influencing Choice, Adherence and Success of Microbicide Formulations