Carrageenan-Based Acyclovir Mucoadhesive Vaginal Tablets for Prevention of Genital Herpes.

Edisson-Mauricio Pacheco-Quito,Aitana Tamayo,Juan Rubio,Roberto Ruiz-Caro,María-Dolores Veiga

doi:10.3390/md18050249

Abstract

Women are the most affected by genital herpes, which is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, affecting more than 400 million people worldwide. The application of vaginal microbicides could provide a safe method of protection. Acyclovir is a safe and effective medication for vaginal administration, and numerous benefits have been observed in the treatment of primary or recurrent lesions due to genital herpes. Vaginal tablets based on a combination of the polymers iota-carrageenan and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose were developed for the controlled release of acyclovir. Swelling, mucoadhesion and drug release studies were carried out in simulated vaginal fluid. The tablets, containing a combination of iota-carrageenan and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, have an adequate uptake of the medium that allows them to develop the precise consistency and volume of gel for the controlled release of acyclovir. Its high mucoadhesive capacity also allows the formulation to remain in the vaginal area long enough to ensure the complete release of acyclovir. These promising formulations for the prevention of genital herpes deserve further evaluation.

Highlights

Transmitted infections (STIs) are among the most common communicable conditions and affect the health and lives of people worldwide
More women than men are infected with Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), as sexual transmission of HSV is more efficient from men to women than vice versa
HSV-2 and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have been shown to influence each other; HSV-2 infection increases the risk of acquiring a new HIV infection by approximately three-fold [5,6], and up to eight-fold if the exposure occurs soon after acquiring the HSV-2 infection [7,8]

Summary

Introduction

Transmitted infections (STIs) are among the most common communicable conditions and affect the health and lives of people worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there are more than 1 million new curable STIs every day [1]. Genital herpes is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections in the world. It has been estimated that around 400 million people are infected with HSV-2 worldwide, and that approximately 20 million new cases occur each year [3]. HSV-2 and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have been shown to influence each other; HSV-2 infection increases the risk of acquiring a new HIV infection by approximately three-fold [5,6], and up to eight-fold if the exposure occurs soon after acquiring the HSV-2 infection [7,8]

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