CONRAD (organization)
Encyclopedia
CONRAD is a non-profit organization
which seeks to improve reproductive health
, especially in developing countries
. It does this by promoting clinical research
, particularly that research which involves microbicides for sexually transmitted diseases
.
and clinical trials, mediating between researchers and funding agencies such as government programs or private companies, and training researchers.
.
CONRAD was a collaborator in the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health
's SILCS diaphragm
research, particularly because of the study's use of microbicides.
Non-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
which seeks to improve reproductive health
Reproductive health
Within the framework of the World Health Organization's definition of health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, reproductive health, or sexual health/hygiene, addresses the reproductive processes, functions and system...
, especially in developing countries
Developing country
A developing country, also known as a less-developed country, is a nation with a low level of material well-being. Since no single definition of the term developing country is recognized internationally, the levels of development may vary widely within so-called developing countries...
. It does this by promoting clinical research
Clinical research
Clinical research is a branch of medical science that determines the safety and effectiveness of medications, devices, diagnostic products and treatment regimens intended for human use...
, particularly that research which involves microbicides for sexually transmitted diseases
Microbicides for sexually transmitted diseases
Microbicides for sexually transmitted diseases, are pharmacologic agents and chemical substances that are capable of killing or destroying certain microorganisms that commonly cause human infection, for example the human immunodeficiency virus....
.
Work method
CONRAD works by conducting pre-clinical developmentPre-clinical development
In drug development, pre-clinical development is a stage of research that begins before clinical trials can begin, and during which important feasibility, iterative testing and drug safety data is collected....
and clinical trials, mediating between researchers and funding agencies such as government programs or private companies, and training researchers.
Major projects
CONRAD was a collaborator in CAPRISA 004CAPRISA 004
CAPRISA 004 is the name of a clinical trial conducted by CAPRISA. This particular study was the first to show that a topical gel could reduce a person's risk of contracting HIV. The gel used in the study contained a microbicide.-Background:...
.
CONRAD was a collaborator in the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health
Program for Appropriate Technology in Health
The Program for Appropriate Technology in Health is an international, nonprofit global health organization based in Seattle, Washington , with 900+ employees in more than 30 offices around the world. Its president and CEO is Dr...
's SILCS diaphragm
SILCS diaphragm
The SILCS diaphragm is a silicone barrier contraceptive device which is inserted vaginally to cover the cervix. The SILCS device was developed by the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health and SILCS, Inc...
research, particularly because of the study's use of microbicides.