A method for inhibiting cell infection by an enveloped virus, by administering to an infection site, a therapeutically effective amount of a calix(n)arene compound derivatized, at its ring positions meta to the bridge attachements to the ring, with polar substitutent having a terminal carboxylate, phosphate, or sulfonate groups, including esters and amides which are cleavable in vivo. The compound may be administered orally, or topically, e.g., for treatment of herpes virus.

A method for inhibiting cell infection by an enveloped virus, by administering to an infection site, a therapeutically effective amount of a macrocyclic compound composed of aryl ring subunits connected one to another by ring-attached bridge linkages, and containing sulfonic acid-derived substituents carried on non-bridge atoms of the subunits.

A method for the reduction in the risk of transmitting a sexually transmitted disease--especially HIV and/or HSV--during sexual activity is provided. This method generally comprises the application of an effective amount of an inhibitory agent, preferably as a topical formulation, to the area or areas of sexual contact prior to engaging in sexual activity. Inhibitory agents which are useful in the present invention include, for example, phosphorylated hesperidins, sulfonated hesperidins, polystyrene sulfonates, substituted benzenesulfonic acid formaldehyde co-polymers, H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 -modified mandelic acids, and the like. This method can be used by heterosexuals, homosexuals, and/or bisexuals engaged in a wide variety of sexual activities. In addition to anti-STD activity, these agents may also act as vaginal contraceptives; moreover, they generally have fewer side effects than conventional vaginal contraceptives (e.g., nonoxynol-9). For example, the compounds useful in this invention are generally not toxic to natural and beneficial vaginal flora and, thus, do not upset the local microbiological balance. The anti-STD method of the present invention has the added advantage that it can be implemented and controlled by either sexual party. Methods are also provided for reducing the risk of transmission of STD-causing organisms to health care providers and laboratory personnel (or other persons) who may come into contact with biological samples and specimens.

This invention relates to the use of zinc salts as anti-viral agents in sexual lubricants. A zinc salt which releases divalent zinc ions in an aqueous carrier fluid is provided in a sexual lubricant formulation which is spread on the genitals before sexual intercourse. The mixture is non-irritating, and the zinc ions serve as an anti-viral agent to reduce the risk of contracting genital herpes if a sexual partner is infected. These lubricants may also reduce the risk of infection by other sexually transmitted viral diseases, such as hepatitis, papilloma viruses, and AIDS. A preferred lubricant formulation comprises water, a thickening or suspending agent, a lubricating agent, and a suitable zinc salt. Salts which have been tested and shown to be non-irritating during sexual intercourse include zinc acetate, zinc propionate, and zinc gluconate. Other zinc salts have also been identified which are soluble in water and have low pK values, which indicates a high rate of zinc ion release.

This invention pertains to the discovery that condensation polymers of an aldehyde and aromatic sulfonic acids and fractions thereof, such as formaldehyde naphthalene-sulfonic acid condensation polymers, can abrogate HIV gp120 binding to CD4, as demonstrated in CD4/gp120 binding assays. In addition to gp120 binding inhibition, the compounds have been shown to inhibit HIV-induced syncytia formation and infectivity of CD+ cells. The use of this compound has been shown to be non-cytotoxic and non-inhibitory to antigen induced T lymphocyte proliferation. Based on these findings, these compounds can be used as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), as well as AIDS-related complex (ARC), AIDS-related dementia and non-symptomatic HIV infection. The compounds can also be used to treat blood preparations.