New gel could save lives
01 Mar, 2005
Source: Joint Media Statement & The Dominion Post
A new gel that could prevent the spread of HIV is being made with the help of New Zealand scientists.
The gel, called VivaGel, is a microbicide (pronounced my-crow-bu-side). Microbicides work by inactivating, killing or destroying microbes like bacteria and viruses. VivaGel does this using dendrimers - tiny balls made up of a dense network of branches. Richard Furneaux, a chemist at Industrial Research Limited, describes the dendrimers as molecules with “hooks”.
The dendrimer molecules are believed to be able to prevent infection because they can be made to target specific bacteria or viruses.
VivaGel has been made to target the AIDS virus. The tiny hooks in the gel catch the virus (a bit like two pieces of Velcro sticking together) and prevent it from getting into the person.
VivaGel is a joint project between Industrial Research Limited and Australian biotech company Starpharma.
