IPM is committed to leveraging every possible resource for the identification, research and development of promising microbicide products. Several potential microbicides are currently in development and new compounds are being sought from individual researchers, academic institutions and corporations.

Through a series of innovative agreements with three major pharmaceutical companies, IPM is marshalling expertise and resources in the private sector to advance microbicide research. In March 2004, IPM signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Tibotec Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson) to develop dapivirine (TMC120 gel) as a microbicide. IPM is currently studying dapivirine in human safety trials and a large-scale efficacy trial is being planned.

In October 2005, IPM entered into agreements with Merck & Co., Inc. and Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) to develop new antiretroviral compounds as potential microbicides. Under the two separate agreements, Merck and BMS each granted IPM royalty-free licenses to develop, manufacture and distribute their compounds for use as microbicides in resource-poor countries.

Moving forward, IPM continues to seek relationships with other pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to further expand the pipeline of potential microbicide compounds.

How to Submit a Proposal for Funding

IPM welcomes proposals from all microbicide developers who have identified a compound for screening and may need funding for development. Proposals for funding directed at drug development of a microbicide candidate are evaluated by a process that starts with a formal laboratory assessment. Even if an applicant has existing data, IPM will independently confirm data that has been submitted for review. To initiate this process, please submit a completed “Compound Submission Form” to proposals@ipm-microbicides.org. Supplemental information must not exceed 10 pages.