European Microbicides Project

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European Microbicides Project (EMPRO) 25
Partners in 9 countries
www.empro.org.uk
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EMPRO AIMS To develop new compounds
(microbicides) for vaginal application that could
block HIV infection.
Microbicides could be applied as a gel
or by using a slow-release device
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Microbicide gel containing 3 monoclonal
antibodies protects against HIV infection in
model systems.
EMPRO has tested antibodies that bind to the HIV
envelope protein and shown that they protect. The
antibodies were developed by Polymun GmbH,
Vienna. The antibodies are being tested for
safety in a human (phase I) clinical trial.
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Large-scale production of protein microbicides
may be achieved by microbial fermentation
or by using genetically modified plants
EMPRO investigates both technologies
Photo courtesy of Novozymes A/S
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• The EMPRO Consortium
• scientists from industry, universities and
• research institutes
• clinical and laboratory-based scientists
• product developers, experts in formulation,
• testing and production
• Results in real inter-disciplinary collaboration
  necessary for product development.