HR 1420 & Senate S 823

Summary: The Microbicide Development Act would require a U.S. government plan to expedite the development of microbicides and enable funding for a range of activities needed to achieve this goal, including clinical trials and behavioral and social science research relevant to microbicide development, testing, acceptability and use.

What You Should Know: Microbicides refer to a range of products—usually creams, gels, suppositories, or sponges—that could be used by women to protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although global investments in research and development increased by nearly $100 million annually between 2000 and 2005, funding levels need to reach $280 million annual to expeditiously complete the clinical trials underway to bring a product to the public.

Microbicides may allow women to become mothers without risking HIV infection. Because current HIV prevention methods (including abstinence) also prevent conception, women must choose between protecting themselves against HIV and becoming pregnant. Some microbicides may enable women to become pregnant while also protecting themselves against HIV.

Currently there are three microbicides in the final phases of clinical trials, and seven others in earlier stages.

Primary Sponsor(s): Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) & Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL)

Introduction Date: 3/8/07 (House and Senate)

Last Major Action:
House: 3/8/07. Referred to the Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Health.

Senate: 3/8/2007. Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.