AIDS weekly
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OmniComm Systems, Inc. (OMCM), Miami, Florida, announced it is partnering with Optima WorldWide, Ltd., to launch US testing of a vaginal gel for the potential prevention of pregnancy and the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Surete Gel, which is already being sold in China as a vaginal disinfectant and contraceptive, is being tested as a potential preventive agent for most STDs, including HIV. The concept of an antimicrobial product that prevents infectious sexual diseases has long been awaited by experts at the WHO and the US National Institutes of Health as an important weapon in preventing the global STD and HIV epidemics. ⋯ A number of trial participants will be needed to take part in extensive testing before the product can be considered for approval in the US as more than a contraceptive. Surete complies with the US Food and Drug Administration monograph as a contraceptive. Anyone interested in taking part in those clinical trials--investigators or participants--must register thru OmniComm's web portal, WebIPA.com.