Microbicide Trials Network

MTN-002 is the first study of a candidate topical microbicide in pregnant women. MTN-002 aimed to understand if and to what extent pregnancy affects how the body absorbs the active drug in a gel and whether the drug can be transferred to the fetus. Specifically, MTN-002 researchers studied an antiretroviral-based candidate microbicide called tenofovir 1% gel, which was applied as a one-time, single dose in 16 healthy HIV-negative women prior to giving birth by scheduled caesarean delivery. Researchers view MTN-002 as a first step toward determining if use of a vaginal microbicide during pregnancy is safe for women and their babies.  Results are expected in late May 2010.