LA JOLLA, CA (March 24, 2008)- Today, Instead Sciences, Inc. announced that its microbicidal personal lubricant, Amphora, which has been cleared as safe for human use by the FDA, has shown promising results in clinical studies to also prevent the contraction of certain sexually transmitted diseases, including HSV (Herpes), gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and HIV. In light of the revealing report published earlier this month by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stating that one in four teenagers has a sexually transmitted infection, the announcement of a microbicide which may prevent the spread of these diseases is very encouraging.
"Preventing the spread of STD’s and HIV is unfortunately one of the largest ongoing battles of our time, as is evidenced by last week’s alarming CDC report. With the youth of our country at a greater risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases, it is becoming increasingly important for us to develop preventive, over-the-counter products. Fortunately, research is proving this to be a real possibility in the form of topical microbicides,” explains Joseph Pike, President/CEO of Instead Sciences Inc.
Amphora has already been FDA cleared for use in humans as a lubricant, and Instead plans to launch the product later this year. It is, to date, the only microbicidal candidate that has been cleared for this application. The promising results from clinical studies that indicate Amphora may help prevent the spread of STD’s and HIV indicate an even greater health benefit from its use.
According to a study conducted by Mt. Sinai researchers, Amphora has the ability to reduce the infection rate of the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) by 99% after 30 minutes of exposure to the microbicide. Amphora works as a bio-adhesive “acid buffering” gel that coats the vaginal wall and cervix, helping maintain a woman’s natural pH level between 3.8 and 4.2, a level that has been proven in early clinical testing to render sperm immobile and to inactivate most STI-causing organisms, including herpes, Chlamydia, HSV, gonorrhea, and HIV.
In light of the knowledge that many STD’s, including HIV itself, are extremely fragile (effectively killed by lemon juice, saliva, or even exposure to air ), the observations made in the Mt. Sinai study bolster the hypothesis that Amphora will have a similar effect in significantly reducing the infection rate of HIV and other STD’s, as was the case with the HSV testing.
Instead Chairman and former Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson asserts, “By getting Amphora into the hands of young women we can begin to offer a means of promoting vaginal health and hopefully preventing infections of STD’s.” Since leaving public office, Thompson has followed the research and development of Instead’s Amphora and intends to participate in the global launch of the microbicide, as well as pursue funding from individuals and organizations that are committed to stopping the spread of HIV and improving reproductive health worldwide.
About Instead Sciences, Inc.
Instead, Inc. provides women with new and different choices for greater freedom and control of their reproductive and sexual health. The San Diego-based company is dedicated to offering women better options in health care segments where their needs are underserved with products that are thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy. Instead has focused research and development efforts on period protection and feminine hygiene, contraception, prevention of sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDs, and other conditions where vaginal therapy can be an effective preventative or treatment.
