Contact Dr. Henry Gabelnick, Director CONRAD
1611 N Kent St. #806, Arlington VA 22209
Phone: 703.276.3904
Email: hgabelnick@conrad.org

Princess Royal presents award to CONRAD for Microbicide Research. Study shows cellulose sulfate safe and appropriate for effectiveness trials.

Cellulose sulfate is a high molecular weight product envisioned for topical vaginal use primarily in the prevention of the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - CONRAD, a program of Eastern Virginia Medical School, today received recognition for their work with cellulose sulfate, a product designed for prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Dr. Jill Schwartz, Clinical Research Manager at CONRAD, was on hand to receive the award presented by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at the Microbicide 2004 conference in London. Dr. Schwartz accepted the award for the winning poster in the clinical track, Phase I trial and early safety studies. A multi-center, Phase I, randomized study in the United States and the Dominican Republic assessed safety of cellulose sulfate gel when applied intravaginally twice-daily for 14 days in 30 sexually abstinent and 30 sexually active women. The study showed minimal signs and symptoms of genital irritation in both the cellulose sulfate gel and the K-Y® Jelly treatment group. The results of this expanded safety study suggest that cellulose sulfate is safe for use and ready to proceed to effectiveness trials.

Two studies to assess efficacy in contraception are ongoing and studies to assess reduction of transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are about to start.