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The 'promise' of BufferGel
If only I could find out when they're going to release it!
Date: 9/14/2006 8:39:46 AM ( 18 y ) ... viewed 9762 times Microbicides 2000, March 13-16, 2000, Washington DC Abstract Number A07.
BufferGelTM Favors In Vitro Growth of Lactobacilli While Inhibiting BV-Associated Organisms
Boskey, E.1, A. Jansen1, M. Merski1, K. Whaley1,2, T. Moench2, and R. Cone1,2. 1Johns Hopkins University and 2ReProtect, Inc., Baltimore, MD 21218
Vaginal microbicides should not be detrimental to lactobacilli. Lactobacilli produce broad-spectrum microbicides - including lactic acid and H2O2 - that have been shown to inactivate many sexually transmitted disease pathogens in vitro. Bacterial vaginosis (BV), during which there is an increased vaginal pH (>4.5), a loss of lactobacilli, and an overgrowth of other bacteria, is a significant risk for pre-term labor, amnionitis, pelvic inflammatory disease and HIV acquisition.
BufferGel™, an acidic polymer gel being developed as a vaginal spermicidal microbicide, is intended to buffer the vagina to
All lactobacillus spp. examined demonstrated some growth at pH 4 and significant growth at pH 5. In contrast, all BV-associated spp. were unable to grow at pH 4. Moreover, at acidic pH BufferGelTM had an additional inhibitory effect against several BV organisms. G. vaginalis, P. anaerobis, P. bivia, M. homonis and B. urealyticus, but not M. curtsii and M. mulieris, were all inhibited to a greater extent by 2 hour incubation in media acidified with BufferGelTM than in media acidified with HCl. These in vitro results suggest that BufferGelTM is not likely to disturb vaginal lactobacilli and may help prevent BV.
Elizabeth Boskey, Biophysics Department, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218. eboskey@jhu.edu
Our Products
ReProtect's flagship product is the vaginal microbicide, BufferGel™. BufferGel™ is a buffering polymer that has demonstrated spermicidal activity and maintains the mild, protective acidity of the vagina. It is the first vaginal product designed to counteract the alkaline nature of semen. The vagina is naturally acidic (pH 4), which kills not only sperm, but also inactivates the pathogens that can cause many STDs, including HIV, herpes, syphilis and gonorrhea. The alkaline quality of semen neutralizes the protective acidity of the vagina for several hours after intercourse. This allows fertilization to occur since the acidity of the vagina would otherwise immobilize and kill sperm (see Abstracts and Manuscripts for additional information). Thus, BufferGel™ may prevent both unwanted pregnancy and STDs by enhancing a natural protective function of the vagina.
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