Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

This invention relates to an article of manufacture including a genital lubricant containing a selected non-irritating, water-soluble zinc salt at an anti-viral concentration, within a package that is provided with a label indicating that the lubricant is effective as an anti-viral agent against at least one type of sexually transmitted virus (such as genital herpes viruses, human immunodeficiency viruses, hepatitis viruses, or papilloma viruses). One such lubricant includes a lubricant gel in a plastic-walled tubular package, for use with or without a condom; another such lubricant includes a condom lubricant, coated on a condom and sealed along with the condom inside a disposable plastic pouch. The zinc salt must be water-soluble and have substantial dissociation rates to release divalent zinc ions, and the lubricant must not cause genital irritation or other adverse effects, even if used repeatedly over a period of months or years. The zinc-containing lubricants described herein can reduce the risk that a previously uninfected person will become infected by sexually transmitted viruses, and the labelling information will help promote efficacy and slow the spread of incurable viruses.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim