Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center

Rush University Medical Center

Robert Anthony Anderson, Jr

Calvin J Chany, Ii

Donald Paul Waller

Sanjay Garg

Paul Robert Young, Jr

Xiao Hui Diao

Lourens Jan Zaneveld

Lourens Jan Dirk Zaneveld

Darrick S Kim

A new class of anti-microbial agents and methods for preventing or reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections and/or diseases is provided. Preferably, these anti-microbial agents are also contraceptive and, thus, also prevent or reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies. The anti-microbial agents comprise a delivery vector having anti-microbial activity (and preferably contraceptive activity) coupled with a nitric oxide donor moiety.

Vector delivery-based microbicides

Antimicrobial and contraceptive compositions and methods which prevent and/or reduce the risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases through sexual activity as well as prevent and/or reduce the risk of pregnancy are provided. The compositions contain (1) a matrix-forming agent, (2) a bio-adhesive agent, (3) a buffering agent, (4) optionally a humectant, (5) optionally a preservative, and (6) water; wherein the composition is suitable for application within the vagina; wherein the compositions forms a semisolid matrix on contact with ejaculate (thereby trapping ejaculated microbes and spermatozoa); wherein the composition causes hardening of cervical mucus (thereby decreasing the probability of sperm entry); wherein the composition forms a bio-adhesive layer over vaginal surfaces (thereby preventing or reducing the risk of contact of STD-causing microbes with the vaginal surfaces); wherein the composition maintains an acidic vaginal pH of less than about 5 in the presence of semen ejaculated from the male; and wherein the composition does not significantly impair the natural microbiological balance within the vagina. The antimicrobial and contraceptive compositions may also contain additional antimicrobial and/or contraceptive agents (e.g., nonoxynol-9, octoxynol-9, benzalkonium chloride, phosphorylated hesperidins, sulfonated hesperidins, polystyrene sulfonates, substituted benzenesulfonic acid formaldehyde co-polymers, H SO -modified mandelic acids, povidone iodine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, metronidazole, clotrimazole, fluconazole, teraconazole, miconazole, tinidazole, iconazole, chloramphenicol, nystatin, cyclopiroxolamine, and the like).

Compositions and methods for trapping and inactivating pathogenic microbes and spermatozoa

A method for preventing, inhibiting, or treating vaginitis or bacterial vaginosis using polystyrene sulfonate is provided. The polystyrene sulfonate used in the present invention inhibits Trichomonas (a flagellate protozoon), Gardnerella, and other vaginitis/vaginosis-causing bacteria. The method of this invention generally comprises the application of an effective amount of an inhibitory agent into the vagina of a female in need of prevention, inhibition, and/or treatment of vaginitis and/or bacterial vaginosis. Preferably the polystyrene sulfonate in contained in an aqueous based composition, more preferably in an aqueous based composition buffered to a pH of about 3.5 to about 7.5, and even more preferably in an aqueous based composition buffered to a pH of about 3.5 to about 5.

Method for the prevention, inhibition, or treatment of vaginitis and/or bacterial vaginosis using polystyrene sulfonate

A method for the reduction in the risk of transmitting a sexually transmitted disease&mdash;especially HIV and/or HSV&mdash;during sexual activity is provided. This method generally comprises the application of an effective amount of an inhibitory agent, preferably as a topical formulation, to the area or areas of sexual contact prior to engaging in sexual activity. Inhibitory agents which are useful in the present invention include, for example, phosphorylated hesperidins, sulfonated hesperidins, polystyrene sulfonates, substituted benzenesulfonic acid formaldehyde co-polymers, H,SO,-modified mandelic acids, and the like. This method can be used by heterosexuals, homosexuals, and/or bisexuals engaged in a wide variety of sexual activities. In addition to anti-STD activity, these agents may also act as vaginal contraceptives; moreover, they generally have fewer side effects than conventional vaginal contraceptives (e.g., nonoxynol-9). For example, the compounds useful in this invention are generally not toxic to natural and beneficial vaginal flora and, thus, do not upset the local microbiological balance. The anti-STD method of the present invention has the added advantage that it can be implemented and controlled by either sexual party. Methods are also provided for reducing the risk of transmission of STD-causing organisms to health care providers and laboratory personnel (or other persons) who may come into contact with biological samples and specimens.

Method for preventing sexually transmitted diseases

A method for the reduction in the risk of transmitting a sexually transmitted disease--especially HIV and/or HSV--during sexual activity is provided. This method generally comprises the application of an effective amount of an inhibitory agent, preferably as a topical formulation, to the area or areas of sexual contact prior to engaging in sexual activity. Inhibitory agents which are useful in the present invention include, for example, phosphorylated hesperidins, sulfonated hesperidins, polystyrene sulfonates, substituted benzenesulfonic acid formaldehyde co-polymers, H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 -modified mandelic acids, and the like. This method can be used by heterosexuals, homosexuals, and/or bisexuals engaged in a wide variety of sexual activities. In addition to anti-STD activity, these agents may also act as vaginal contraceptives; moreover, they generally have fewer side effects than conventional vaginal contraceptives (e.g., nonoxynol-9). For example, the compounds useful in this invention are generally not toxic to natural and beneficial vaginal flora and, thus, do not upset the local microbiological balance. The anti-STD method of the present invention has the added advantage that it can be implemented and controlled by either sexual party. Methods are also provided for reducing the risk of transmission of STD-causing organisms to health care providers and laboratory personnel (or other persons) who may come into contact with biological samples and specimens.

Growing community of inventors

Chicago, IL, United States of America

Robert Anthony Anderson, Jr