Promising microbicide approach for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus transmission needs more support.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the number one killer worldwide among infectious disease-causing agents. Because of the speed at which the epidemic has spread, it is crucial for the global community to expand female-controlled preventive options such as the use of microbicides. Much of microbicide research explores how HIV crosses the mucous membranes of the female genital tract and how the virus can be blocked at that point. The field of microbicides has reached a point where increased political will and expanded investment are required to get products to market in the near future.