Overview
Prior to the establishment of the Alliance, there had not been a systematic attempt to convene major constituencies in the microbicide field on a regular basis. Since its founding, the Alliance has convened ten Annual Meetings, with the most recent in March 2007. Each meeting has aimed to assemble broad representation from the microbicide community, exchange information, discuss critical issues, and encourage maximum interaction. In addition, the substantive emphasis of the meetings has varied, with invited guests providing relevant expertise. Alliance meetings are by invitation only.
Summary of Proceedings
Meeting #10: 20-21 March 2007
Microbicide experts convened to report on current and planned activities in the microbicide field. In-depth panel discussions covered emerging clinical trials issues, including challenges faced by microbicide developers and small biotech firms, and providing treatment for HIV-seroconversions. Please refer to The Microbicide Quarterly Volume 5, Number 2 for a full report of the meeting.
Meeting #9: 27-28 March 2006
Efforts launched to identify and prioritize actions for the microbicide field and to identify ongoing and planned activities according to these objectives. Information and ideas expressed during the meeting are reflected in the Microbicide Development Strategy and Mapping the Microbicide Effort.
Meeting #8: 13-14 January 2005
Highlighted programmatic and scientific issues noted by key institutional players, a "Gap Analysis," and a behavioral science and microbicides "Mini-Summit." Please refer to The Microbicide Quarterly Volume 3, Number 1 and The Microbicide Quarterly Volume 3, Number 2 for a full report of the meeting.
Meeting #7: 17-18 March 2003
Combination products (the scientific rationale, implications of combinations for product introduction, and combinations in the pipeline and clinical approaches), current challenges in clinical trials of microbicides. Please refer to The Microbicide Quarterly Volume 1, Number 2 for a full report of the meeting.
Meeting #6: 8 January 2002
Product developers' business plans, introduction of new approaches and new science, role of NIAID in microbicide research, what is needed for clinical trials, assuring access to microbicides, and microbicide economics.
Meeting #5: 30 January 2001
The new "Microbicide Initiative," status of clinical trials worldwide, and presentations from U.S. Federal and international microbicide research and development programs.
Meeting #4: 15-16 May 2000
Preparation for public hearings on over-the-counter drug products, new clinical trial guidelines, and summaries of the "Microbicides 2000" Conference.
Meeting #3: 10-11 May 1999
Tax credit legislation, interaction with the FDA Topical Microbicides Working Group, NIH peer review, and alternatives to tort reform as incentives for industry to develop public health technologies.
Meeting #2: 6-8 June 1998
Advocacy and legislative strategy, product liability, and aspects of the microbicide market
Meeting #1: 23-24 March 1998
Alliance formation, identification of priorities, and discussion of major hurdles to microbicide development.
