The directors of research at the Chulalongkorn University have issued the following statement;

"18 March 2006

We are pleased to announce a collaboration in Thailand to further the research of intravaginal lime juice as a potential contraceptive and potential HIV microbicide. The trials are being undertaken by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Chulalongkorn University in collaboration with the Population and Community Development Association (Thailand) and the University of Melbourne (Australia).

Two trials are planned in 2006 with human subjects. The trials will assess the effect of lime juice on the pH (acidity) of the vagina,
acceptability of using lime juice and safety. The aim is to establish an
appropriate method of using lime juice - the concentration and volume of
lime juice and a simple, reproducible method of vaginal delivery.

Results of the first trial are expected in mid 2006 and the second trial by the end of 2006."