| abstract |
A soft, pliable cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) - hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) composite film is provided which is generated by casting from organic solvent mixtures containing ethanol. The film rapidly reduces the infectivity of several sexually transmitted disease pathogens, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), herpesvirus (HSV), non-viral sexually transmitted disease pathogens (such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Haemophilus ducreyi, Chlamydia trachomatis and Treponema pallidum) and bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV). The film is converted into a gel/cream and thus does not have to be removed following application and use. In addition to being a topical microbicide, the film can be employed for the mucosal delivery of pharmaceuticals other than cellulose acetate phthalate. |