Scientists at the University of Utah have developed a 'molecular condom' to protect women from AIDS. The smart condom is a vaginal gel that releases antiviral drugs when it comes into contact with semen. The research project is part of a widespread effort to develop microbicides to prevent the spread of HIV. There are some 16 microbicides in the developmental phase and five are being tested among African women. The researchers say the smart condom is still five years away from human testing. The scientific team would like to develop a gel that could be applied once daily or as little as once monthly.
- here's the release from the University of Utah