| The EMPRO consortium partners have a wide range of expertise
from designing and analysing molecular structure, investigating
mechanisms of HIV infection, and methods for the large-scale production
of microbicides, through to conducting clinical testing. Over the
five year period of the project the partners will in a progressive
way, design, test, then formulate microbicides before beginning
any clinical testing in the later stages of the project.
Anticalins based on the lipocalin scaffold that will be used by
EMPRO in a novel approach to develop microbicides
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EMPRO has already begun laboratory work on designing the first
new microbicides. The aim is to develop microbicides that are better
than or synergistic with existing approaches. EMPRO believes it
is taking some quite novel approaches in its design of new molecules
and some of the technologies that will be utilised include nanocluster,
nanobody and anticalin scaffold technology. The EMPRO partners will
generate a significant number of new molecules that will be screened
in the laboratory, not only for their effect on HIV but also for
their effect on the natural microorganisms present in the vagina
and on the vaginal epithelium. EMPRO will also investigate how well
their new candidate drugs work in combination with each other or
in combination with other drugs developed outside the project.
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