"Lab Notes: New Contraceptives Use Sperm-Killing Antibodies"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1990. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"Lab Notes: New Contraceptives Use Sperm-Killing Antibodies"

Wall Street Journal (12/20/90), P. B1
Waldholz, Michael

Abstract: Johns Hopkins University researchers have used antibodies in a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy and perhaps fight sexually transmitted diseases. Based on the finding that some couples are infertile because women produce antibodies that deactivate their partners' sperm, researchers Richard Cone and Kevin Whaley produced genetically-engineered antibodies delivered in a controlled-release form in a plastic vaginal ring. The contraceptive could stay in place for months and prevent sperm from travelling beyond the cervix. In mice, the antibodies prevented infection with genital herpes.

901220
AD901513

Copyright © 1990 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1990. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1990. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.