Vaginal and rectal topical microbicide development: safety and efficacy of 1.0% Savvy (C31G) in the pigtailed macaque.

Background: A 1.0% gel formulation of C31G, a surfactant, has been shown to have in vitro antiviral and antibacterial activity.

Goal: The goal of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vaginal and rectal applications of 1.0% Savvy (C31G) in the nonhuman primate model.

Study Design: The safety of repeated 1.0% C31G application was evaluated by microflora, pH, vaginal biopsy, colposcopy, and rectal lavage. Efficacy in preventing chlamydial infection was documented by culture, nucleic acid amplification tests, and serology.

Results: Repeated applications of Savvy (1.0% C31G) were not associated with significant changes in pH, microflora, or inflammatory infiltrates on tissues. No significant differences in epithelial desquamation were noted after rectal product use compared with placebo. Four of 6 animals were protected from chlamydial infection after pretreatment with Savvy. C31G was shown to be safe to both vaginal and rectal mucosal tissues and to the microflora with repeated daily use.

Conclusion: Savvy has an acceptable safety profile after repeated vaginal and rectal use. A single intravaginal application of 1.0% C31G provided partial protection from acquiring cervical chlamydial infection.