After nearly 20 years of research, the results of the CAPRISA 004 trial provided the first evidence that the use of a vaginal microbicide could provide a safe and effective way to prevent HIV infection in women.

Following results from a South African study (CAPRISA 004) showing that a vaginal microbicide gel containing the antiretroviral drug tenofovir was 39% effective in reducing a woman’s risk of becoming infected with HIV during sex, WHO and UNAIDS convened a meeting in August 2010, just a month following the announcement, to review the implications of the CAPRISA 004 results and determine the appropriate next steps.

The meeting participants agreed on the below priority actions for follow-up:

• Additional safety studies;
• Effectiveness trial in South Africa to confirm the CAPRISA 004 BAT 24 dosing regimen;
• Effectiveness and safety trial of simplified dosing and HIV testing schedules;
• Implementation study in South Africa; and,
• Treatment outcome and resistance study.

To find out more, read the executive summary of the meeting report , or download the full report.