| In 2000, CONRAD established the Global Microbicide
Project (GMP) to help develop new microbicidal agents that
specifically address the needs and perspectives of women. The main
objective of this project is to develop vaginal methods that would
protect women against sexually transmitted infections, including
HIV/AIDS. The importance of this area of research for reproductive
health was highlighted at the 1994 United Nations Conference on
Population Development in Cairo.
At present, GMP funding comes solely from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to
expedite microbicide development. Additional funding to investigate
the contraceptive efficacy of these and other vaginal agents is
available through the Consortium for
Industrial Collaboration in Contraceptive Research
(CICCR), another CONRAD project.
The GMP can provide funds for both pilot and major projects.
Although there is no requirement for cost sharing by an industrial
partner, it is strongly encouraged. There is no limit to funding for
a project, but initial funding for a new project may be limited in
time and amount until the feasibility of the proposed approach has
been determined. All costs indicated in the budget request must be
well justified.
For more information about GMP contact:
Dr. Michael J.K. Harper
Director, GMP
CONRAD
1611 N.
Kent St., Suite 806
Arlington, VA 22209-2111
Phone: (703)
276-4022
Fax: (703) 524-4770
E-mail: mharper@conrad.org
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