Vector delivery-based microbicides

Abstract

A new class of anti-microbial agents and methods for preventing or reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections and/or diseases is provided. Preferably, these anti-microbial agents are also contraceptive and, thus, also prevent or reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies. The anti-microbial agents comprise a delivery vector having anti-microbial activity (and preferably contraceptive activity) coupled with a nitric oxide donor moiety.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . An anti-microbial agent for reducing risk of transmitting a sexual transmitted disease, said anti-microbial agent comprising a covalent adduct of a delivery vector having anti-microbial activity and a nitric oxide donor,
 the nitric acid donor consisting of a nitric acid moiety and a spacer,   the nitric acid donor being covalently bonded through the spacer to the delivery vector having anti-microbial activity, wherein NO is released from the anti-microbial agent during use.   
     
     
         18 . The anti-microbial agent of  claim 17 , wherein the delivery vector has contraceptive activity and anti-microbial activity. 
     
     
         19 . The anti-microbial agent as defined in  claim 17 , wherein the delivery vector is selected from the group consisting of phosphorylated hesperidins, sulfonated hesperidins, polystyrene sulfonates, substituted benzenesulfonic acid formaldehyde co-polymers, H 2 SO 4 -modified mandelic acids, and cellulose sulfates. 
     
     
         20 . The anti-microbial agent as defined in  claim 17 , wherein the NO-donor is selected from the group consisting of nitrate esters, furoxans, ketoximes, S-nitrosothiols, nitrosohydrazines, and hydroxylamides. 
     
     
         21 . The anti-microbial agent as defined in  claim 19 , wherein the NO-donor is selected from the group consisting of nitrate esters, furoxans, ketoximes, S-nitrosothiols, nitrosohydrazines, and hydroxylamides. 
     
     
         22 . The anti-microbial agent as defined in  claim 19 , wherein the delivery vector is a H2SO4-modified mandelic acid. 
     
     
         23 . The anti-microbial agent as defined in  claim 17 , wherein the NO-donor is a nitrate ester. 
     
     
         24 . The anti-microbial agent as defined in  claim 17 , wherein the anti-microbial agent is contained in an inert carrier. 
     
     
         25 . The anti-microbial agent as defined in  claim 18 , wherein the anti-microbial agent is contained in an inert carrier. 
     
     
         26 . The anti-microbial agent as defined in  claim 25 , wherein the anti-microbial agent is at a concentration greater than about 0.2 mg/g. 
     
     
         27 . The anti-microbial agent as defined in  claim 26 , wherein the anti-microbial agent is at a concentration greater than about 0.2 mg/g. 
     
     
         28 . The anti-microbial agent as defined in  claim 26 , wherein the anti-microbial agent is at a concentration of about 10 to 100 mg/g. 
     
     
         29 . The anti-microbial agent as defined in  claim 27 , wherein the anti-microbial agent is at a concentration of about 10 to 100 mg/g. 
     
     
         30 . A method for reducing the risk of transmission and infection by a sexually transmitted disease through sexual activity between two or more parties, said method comprising: applying an effective amount of an anti-microbial agent to an area of the body to be engaged in the sexual activity of at least one of the parties prior to the sexual activity and then engaging in the sexual activity, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises: a covalent adduct of a delivery vector having anti-microbial activity and a nitric oxide donor,
 the nitric acid donor consisting of a nitric acid moiety and a spacer,   the nitric acid donor being covalently bonded through the spacer to the delivery vector having anti-microbial activity, wherein NO is released from the anti-microbial agent after applying to the area of the body.