Inventors:
Patrick D. Kelly - Glendale MO
International Classification:
A61F 1300
Abstract:
This invention relates to the use of water-soluble zinc salts as anti-viral agents in genital lubricants (such as condom lubricants or stand-alone gels), to reduce the risk of infection by sexually transmitted viruses. Such zinc-containing anti-viral lubricants can be spread on the shaft of the penis or inside the vagina before sexual intercourse, or applied in other suitable manners that causes the lubricant fluid to be coated on one or more genital surfaces during intercourse. These lubricants also can be sealed in watertight packages containing lubricated condoms, or packaged and sold as "stand-alone" lubricants in watertight containers without condoms. Preferred lubricants contain a water-soluble lubricating agent, such as glycerin or polyethylene glycol, and a suitable zinc salt, and water, to promote ionization of the salt and release of zinc ions (Zn. sup. ++). Such lubricants may also contain a thickening or suspending agent, such as a cellulose derivative, a natural gum compound, or a hydrophilic polymer, to provide a gel. Suitable zinc salts include water-soluble organic salts having relatively low molecular weights (including zinc acetate, butyrate, gluconate, glycerate, glycolate, lactate, propionate, etc. ).