Group Releases Report on Rectal Microbicides

"Less Silence, More Science: Advocacy To Make Rectal Microbicides a Reality," International Rectal Microbicides Advocates: IRMA recently at the Microbicides 2008 conference in New Delhi, India, released the report, which provides a background on developments and efforts in rectal microbicide research. The report also examines global challenges, as well as advocacy goals and strategies, to move forward with research. Rectal microbicide research has been hindered by a lack of funding, the report found. According to IRMA, about $7 million worldwide was allocated for the research in 2006, and it is estimated that a minimum of $350 million during the next 10 to 15 years, or about $35 million annually, is needed to create a comprehensive research program. The group therefore has called for a fivefold increase in spending to ensure the development of a rectal microbicide (IRMA release, 2/24).