One of the most exciting areas in fucoidan research is a human clinical trial slated to begin in December 2006 assessing a fucoidan-based product that will be used as an anti-HIV microbicide. A news release on the trial states, “This product will be designed to augment existing treatments, and provide a nontoxic, controlled method of reducing HIV levels in the gut and serum.”
The treatment will be designed for adjunctive use with existing HIV therapy. University of South Carolina researchers will undertake the trial with the results expected in November 2007. “USC’s initial studies, utilizing whole Undaria pinnatfida [a native Japanese kelp cultivated for human consumption] demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing serum HIV levels and boosting the CD4 count in human treatment-naive HIV patients. The new study will aim to capitalize on these initial positive findings and provide data to support the progression of a formulated fucoidan microbicide into clinical studies.”
