| IPM uses the term “formulation” to encompass all microbicide delivery mechanisms including gels, creams, tablets, films and vaginal rings. Working in collaboration with a research laboratory, IPM has established extensive microbicide drug formulation capacity. All compounds – including emulsions, gels, suspensions and solids – can be formulated onsite. By using a variety of scientific tools, the solubility and stability of potentially active compounds can quickly be determined and optimized so that formulations can be designed and, eventually, tested.
Like its other research and development tools, IPM’s formulation capabilities are open to other microbicide developers, as long as capacity is available.
To share expertise and advance the microbicide development efforts of all stakeholders, IPM engages experts who offer advice about novel drug delivery approaches. Agreements have also been established with several groups to develop new microbicide delivery vehicles, including vaginal rings, novel controlled-release technologies and solid dosage forms.
Currently, IPM is developing and evaluating gel formulations using multiple polymer systems designed to achieve optimal drug delivery and to enhance acceptability among users. As part of its research in this area, IPM is developing unique methods to predict the behavior of such polymer systems (viral and cellular interaction) and to assess the structure-function relationships of polymers used in microbicide formulations.
Read IPM Fact Sheet on New Delivery and Formulation Methods
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