Years Away: Molecular Condom for Women

If all goes the way scientists hope, a new vaginal gel that blocks AIDS could be in use in several years. Researchers are referring to the newly developed gel as a “molecular condom.” It would trap the AIDS virus particles in a microscopic mesh, preventing them from infecting vaginal cells. Scientists who developed the gel at the University of Utah are excited about the first vaginal gel made to arrest movement of the AIDS virus.

If approved, the gel, which turns semisolid in the presence of semen, would be inserted vaginally before sex. It does sound a bit messy, and the gel would likely need to be inserted hours before sex. Yet, it could still be a breakthrough for some women.

Patrick Kiser, an associate professor of bioengineering at the University of Utah’s College of Engineering, said that they wanted to develop a product that could “enable women to protect themselves against HIV without approval of their partner.” The gel is targeted for use by women in Africa, who are often not empowered to enforce the use of condoms.

University of Utah bioengineer Patrick Kiser

Kiser notes that human tests of the gel may possibly start in three to five years. The gel could hit the market a few years after testing is complete. The scientists hope to add an antiviral drug to the gel to prevent the virus from replicating.

What do you think of a vaginal gel that serves as a molecular condom?

(Image from University of Utah)