Development of Mucoadhesive Gel Microbicide to Target Mucosal HIV Reservoirs

The wide use of microbicide is mainly depends on its effectiveness, less frequent application,ready availability and most importantly cost. The aim of this work was to develop affordable microbicidemucoadhesive gel formulation of synthetic anti HIV drug, stavudine and to characterise it in termsof its physical properties, mucoadhesiveness and spreadability. The purpose of the present studywas also to compare different dissolution media used for in vitro release of vaginal dosage form. Thegels were tested for antimicrobial, spermicidal and anti-HIV activity. Gels prepared using Carbopolsand Polycarbophil were transparent and homogenous and had excellent mucoadhesion index - andshowed fast drug release profile. Gels showed very good antimicrobial action against pathologicalmicroorganism.