Topical formation for preventing sexual transmission of viral infection

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a pharmaceutical composition for topical use (such as creams, gels, ointments, or suppositories) that contains one or more catechins—natural compounds found in tea, especially epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG). When applied before or after sexual intercourse, the formulation prevents the sexual transmission of viral infections, particularly HIV, by disrupting and degrading amyloid fibrils in semen that enhance viral infectivity. The approach leverages a novel antiviral mechanism that is based on inhibiting a host factor rather than directly targeting the virus, making it effective even against drug-resistant viral strains.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Prevention of HIV transmission during sexual intercourse, especially in cases where condoms are not used or as an additional protective measure.
• Development of over-the-counter topical microbicides (gels, creams, suppositories) for protection against sexually transmitted viral infections.
• Use by individuals in high-risk communities or in regions with high prevalence of HIV or other viral STIs as a simple and cost-effective self-administered prevention method.
• Integration as a component in multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) that might also offer contraception and broad STI protection.
• Potential hospital or medical use, for example, as pre-exposure protection in scenarios involving risk of mucosal contact with potentially infected fluids.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Targets a host mechanism (semen-derived amyloid fibrils) that enhances viral infectivity, providing broad activity against different viruses and reducing risk of drug resistance.
• Expected to be effective against multiple sexually transmissible viruses, including HIV, HTLV, HPV, Hepatitis B & C, and Herpes viruses.
• Topical administration is user-controlled, non-systemic (limited side effects/toxicity), and can be applied locally as needed before or after intercourse.
• Catechins (notably EGCG) are derived from natural sources such as green tea, are generally recognized as safe, affordable, and widely available.
• Can complement or enhance existing antiretroviral microbicides, potentially increasing their effectiveness by counteracting the semen-mediated enhancement of infection.
• Effective even in preventing the transmission of multi-drug resistant virus strains because the mechanism involves disruption of a non-viral factor (the amyloid fibrils in semen).
• Stable in acidic environments such as the vagina, supporting practical use under physiological conditions.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to the prevention of sexual transmission of viral infection, in particular, HIV infection. The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for topical administration for prevention of sexual transmission of viral infection, wherein the composition comprises at least one compound from the class of catechins, such as epigallo-catechin-gallate (EGCG). The invention also relates to the use of at least one compound from the class of catechins for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition formulated for topical administration for prevention of sexual transmission of viral infection. The invention further provides a method for preventing sexual transmission of viral infection.