VivaGel™ (SPL7013 Gel): A candidate dendrimer - microbicide for the prevention of HIV and HSV infection

Richard Rupp, Susan L Rosenthal, Lawrence R Stanberry

Sealy Center for Vaccine Development and Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA

Abstract: Microbicides are compounds that applied vaginally or rectally, protect the user from sexually transmitted infections. Although no commercial product is yet available, many candidates are under development. A leading candidate, VivaGel™ (SPL7013 Gel) is the product of nanotechnology. The active ingredient is SPL7013, a dendrimer that was designed specifically with HIV and HSV antiviral activity and human safety in mind. SPL7013 has demonstrated efficacy against human immunodeficiency virus and herpes simplex virus in in vitro and animal models. VivaGel™ appears to be well tolerated in both animals and humans. This review summarizes the studies of VivaGel™ and its active ingredient, SPL7013.

Keywords: microbicide, dendrimer, SPL7013, VivaGel™