Research, Monitoring, & Analysis

The Alliance tracks progress in microbicide research and development and monitors issues or events that might affect the field. This objective is met through a variety of activities:

Tracking the Microbicide Pipeline

The Alliance serves as the authoritative source of information on clinical development of microbicides and as a clearinghouse of information on the microbicide pipeline. Maintenance of the Microbicide Research and Development Database allows the Alliance to monitor and analyze the pipeline through systematic survey and ongoing communication with the field. Critical data from the MRDD are compiled in monthly summary tables of ongoing and planned clinical trials.

Monitoring Investment in Microbicide Research and Development

The Alliance is a member of the HIV Vaccines and Microbicides Resource Tracking Working Group, which was established in 2004 to monitor annual investments in preventive HIV vaccine and microbicide research and development and policy and advocacy activities.

Tracking Scientific and Media Coverage of Microbicides

The Alliance is the definitive source of information on coverage of microbicides in peer-reviewed journals and the media. The News Digest is sent weekly to over 500 individuals, and News Alerts are sent on an ad hoc basis to announce issues and events of particular interest to the field. At the 4th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Prevention, the Alliance presented an analysis of patterns in media and journal coverage over the last 15 years: Trends and triggers: media and journal coverage of microbicides from 1992-2007. This and other Alliance presentations can be downloaded here.

Monitoring Critical Issues in the Field

The Quick Working Group provides a platform for investigators involved in late-stage trials to compare progress and address shared concerns in a neutral, confidential environment. The Alliance also addresses emerging issues in microbicide research and development at international conferences and meetings by developing oral and poster presentations, planning symposia, and convening focused meetings, including meetings of the Quick Working Group and Microbicide Donors Committee, to tackle pressing issues.

Tracking Resources for the Field

The Alliance developed the Microbicide Resource Directory in 2007 to provide an inventory of tools and institutional resources available for microbicide research, development, and advocacy.