Patent ID: 6706276
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: A61K,A61P

Abstract:
An antimicrobial and contraceptive composition that reduces the risk of transmission of, or infection by, a sexually transmitted disease through sexual activity involving a vagina of a female and a penis of a male, said composition comprising (1) about 1 to about 10 percent of a matrix-forming agent selected from the group consisting of alginic acid, chitosan, gellan gum, and poloxamer, (2) about 1 to about 10 percent of a bio-adhesive agent selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, chitosan, polycarbophil, and a crosslinked polyacrylic acid, (3) about 1 to about 10 percent of a buffering agent selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, citric acid, potassium acid tartrate, benzoic acid, alginic acid, sorbic acid, fumaric acid, ascorbic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, tartaric acid, edetic acid, and malic acid, and (4) water; wherein the composition is suitable for application within the vagina; wherein the composition forms a semisolid matrix on contact with semen; wherein the composition causes hardening of cervical mucus; wherein the composition forms a bio-adhesive layer over vaginal surfaces; wherein the composition maintains an acidic vaginal pH of less than about 5 in the presence of semen ejaculated from the male; wherein the composition is hypertonic: and wherein the composition is antimicrobial and contraceptive without addition of antimicrobial or contraceptive agents.