There was great excitement at the Vienna Aids conference about an early phase trial of a vaginal microbicide that would remove some of the risk of aquiring HIV during unprotected vaginal sex. The presentation about the trial literally got a standing ovation from a packed house at the conference. But now a subsequent trial has shown that the gel doesn't work.

New prevention technologies and universal treatment for those who need it have bought the end of HIV epidemics into sight. But sex workers have particular reason to be concerned about the impact of methods that are partially effective not STI protective and not contraceptive. This news is another signal of the need to proceed with caution.



 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/26/health/research/anti-hiv-gel-trial-is-canceled-in-africa.html?_r=1&hpw