Introduction: Although only a minority of contracepting women rely solely on spermicides, they may soon be the only ongoing female method available without a prescription in the United States. Spermicides are also combined with other methods for additional pregnancy protection and/or lubrication. Nonoxynol-9 (N-9), the active ingredient in most spermicides, is cytotoxic and may increase risk of transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, especially in high-risk women. Amphora (previously called Acidform) is a noncytotoxic spermicide composed of a series of generally regarded as safe compounds, which maintains the acidity of the vagina following coitus to immobilize and kill sperm. Amphora is currently Food and Drug Administration-approved as a vaginal lubricant. Amphora is currently being tested in a multicenter Phase III contraceptive trial.
Areas covered: This paper describes key properties of Amphora, including its acid-buffering abilities, viscosity, stability, bioadhesiveness, and tolerability.
Expert opinion: Amphora is a nontoxic spermicide that maintains the pH within the vagina at levels less than 5.0 for hours, which immobilizes and kills sperm as well as many sexually transmitted pathogens. If the current clinical trial demonstrates safety, efficacy, and tolerability of Amphora as a contraceptive, it would represent a viable alternative to N-9. Its potential as a microbicide warrants further investigation.
Keywords: Acidform; Amphora; acid-buffering; birth control; microbicide; spermicide; vaginal contraception.