PRO 2000

PRO 2000 is an experimental microbicide that was under investigation for its potential to prevent HIV transmission. It is a naphthalene sulfonate polymer and was developed by the company Indevus Pharmaceuticals.

Mechanism of Action

PRO 2000 works by inhibiting the entry of HIV into human cells. It does this by binding to the gp120 protein on the surface of the virus, preventing it from attaching to the CD4 receptor on the human cell. This stops the virus from entering the cell and replicating.

Clinical Trials

Several clinical trials have been conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of PRO 2000. The results have been mixed, with some trials showing a reduction in HIV transmission and others showing no effect.

The first Phase III trial of PRO 2000, conducted by the Microbicide Trials Network, found a 30% reduction in HIV transmission among women who used the gel compared to those who used a placebo. However, this result was not statistically significant.

A second Phase III trial, conducted by the Medical Research Council in the UK, found no difference in HIV transmission rates between women who used PRO 2000 and those who used a placebo.

Future Research

Despite the mixed results of the clinical trials, research into PRO 2000 and other microbicides continues. Scientists are hopeful that with further development and testing, microbicides could provide a valuable tool in the fight against HIV.

See Also

• Microbicide
• HIV
• Clinical trial
• Indevus Pharmaceuticals
• Microbicide Trials Network
• Medical Research Council (UK)