First Condom Designed To Kill HIV 'Could Be Available To Buy Within Months'

A new condom designed to kill the HIV virus could be available to buy within months, after key regulatory approval. Tests have shown the VivaGel condom is effective in deactivating 99.9 per cent of HIV, herpes and human papilloma virus cases. The condom is being produced by Australian bio-tech firm Starpharma in partnership with another firm called Ansell, which is responsible for around 70 per cent of Australia's condom market.

 Australian bio-tech firm Starpharma has developed the antiviral Viva Gel, the active ingredient designed to tackle sexually transmitted infections, in the condom's lubricant.The product has now received a receipt of Conformity of Assessment Certification by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration - a similar certificate to the CE mark in Europe - paving the way for mass production. It means the condom, the first of its kind, should be available to buy in the coming months.

The condoms are lubricated with VivaGel, which contains 0.5 per cent astodrimer sodium - a non-antibiotic, antimicrobial drug designed specifically as a compound against HIV.
It is hoped the gel will help reduce the transmission of HIV and other STIs, while also reducing the risk of pregnancy.