Named one of the "10 most promising biotechnologies for improving global health," microbicides are a class of products currently under development that women could apply topically to prevent transmission of HIV and other infections. Microbicides could come in a variety of forms, including gels, creams or rings that would release the drug slowly over days or weeks.

Not only are women biologically more prone to HIV, but social and poverty issues exacerbate the vulnerability of women to HIV infection. Such microbicides present an opportunity for women to take preventive measures into their own hands. Also, to date, no HIV prevention method allows conception, which is an issue that could hopefully be addressed by microbicides.

The prospects for microbicides are turning promising with the passing of the Microbicide Development Act of 2005, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Shays (R-CT) and Representative Schakowsky (D-IL).

Read more about microbicides from the Global Campaign for Microbicides or from the Alliance for Microbicide Development.