Microbicides for preventing transmission of genital herpes.

Available technologies for preventing sexual transmission of genital herpes infection are limited. This article focuses on the ongoing development of a new technology, topical microbicides, for preventing sexually transmitted infection. Recent data evaluating detergent-based spermicides as potential microbicides are reviewed. The first generation of broad-spectrum, non-detergent microbicides that are currently in clinical development, including the sulphated polymer-based inhibitors and acid buffers, are discussed. Finally, the potential of monoclonal antibodies as an example of a specific microbicide in late pre-clinical development is considered.