Trials of a microbicidal gel to prevent HIV infection during sex have been halted in India and Africa after an independent scientific committee found that the active ingredient, cellulose sulphate, increased the risk of women contracting the virus.

Some scientists consider this a setback because microbicidal gels, creams or suppositories are seen as a cheap way to prevent the spread of AIDS in poor countries, especially in women whose partners refuse to use condoms.

Cellulose sulphate was developed as an anti-HIV microbicide by Polydex Pharmaceuticals of Toronto and its trials were being conducted across the world by Conrad, a health-research group based in Virginia.

According to Conrad, the independent committee had found, in a small study of its own, that more women using cellulose sulphate developed HIV than those using a placebo, or inactive gel.

In India, the Conrad trials were being implemented by YRG Care, Chennai, and St John’s Medical College, Bangalore.

“We were told to stop the trial on January 27,” said Dr Reynold Washington, a professor at St John’s who is the principal investigator for the trial in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. “Yes, it’s a great setback as microbicides are being perceived as a new tool to prevent HIV.”

Dr Washington said it took a long time to find and enrol participants and counsel them.

“We had enrolled 20-25 women who were HIV negative and the trial had only begun as the government had given clearance only last year,” he said. “We have not had any sero-conversions, which means those who are HIV negative have not turned positive.”

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