BufferGel is designed to keep the vaginal pH low in the presence of semen. In a test tube, BufferGel also kills chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and various HIV strains. Early tests by Canadian researchers at Laval University show the nontoxic polymer-based gel reduced transmission of HIV and the virus that causes genital herpes. Human clinical trials are being planned here and in Canada. They are carried through epithelial cells out to the genital tract secretions, where they bind to HIV and neutralize the virus.
Studies are under way to find out.
Unfortunately, they're costly to manufacture. A top contender, Human Defensin 5, acts like a natural disinfectant. When infectious organisms enter the vagina, these cytokines swing into action. Test-tube studies show protegrins can kill HIV and several bacterial STDs. Phase I safety studies show protegrins appear safe for topical use, but their safety for vaginal use hasn't been determined.