The newly-approved anti-HIV drug maraviroc (Celsentri) is to be investigated as a potential vaginal microbicide.
Makers of maraviroc, the drug company Pfizer, have announced that they have granted a royalty-free licence to the International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM) for the development of the drug as a microbicide.
Microbicides are topical gels or films that contain an anti-HIV product that are applied vaginally or anally to prevent transmission during intercourse.
Maraviroc prevents HIV from entering human cells by inhibiting the CCR5 protein on the surface of the virus. The drug does not share a resistance profile with any other approved antiretroviral drug and is therefore an important treatment option for treatment-experienced patients with extensive drug-resistance and limited therapeutic options.
Under the agreement, IPM will work to develop maraviroc as a vaginal microbicide and manufacture and distribute any resulting product in resource-limited countries without any royalty to Pfizer.
“This agreement adds a promising new compound to IPM’s pipeline, allowing us to explore new ways to prevent HIV infection, “ said Dr Zeda Rosenbery, IPM’s chief executive.
Four drug companies now have agreements with IPM for the development of their products as microbicides, the other companies being Tibotec, Merck and Co, BMS and Gilead.
“Pfizer is proud to contribute to the effort to develop a safe and effective microbicide with the potential to give women around the world new ways to protect themselves from HIV, said Dr Jack Warner of Pfizer, adding, “given maraviroc’s mechanism of action blocking entry of HIV into CD4 cells, the possibility for use as a microbicide is exciting.”