The drug, developed by G.P. Talwar, former director of the National Institute of Immunology, is made from the leaves and bark of the neem tree and is undergoing clinical tests in Pune.

"So far, India's AIDS prevention has been condom-based. But if this new drug comes about, it will help women take their own measures to protect themselves," said R.R. Gangakhedkar, who is part of the team testing the new drug.

"It might take years to come about, but if it does, it would definitely be worth it," Gangakhedkar told IANS.

The tablet, which resembles a small soap, when inserted into the vagina 10-15 minutes before intercourse, would kill all the sperm cells entering the body, and the AIDS virus coming with them.

Nearly 85 percent of AIDS cases in India are sexually transmitted, according to the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO).

Only 51.2 percent men and 39.8 percent women use condoms during sex with non-regular partners.

The disease is now becoming 'feminised', with one in every four patient being a woman. As a result, efforts to control AIDS are also focusing more on women.

Specially designed condoms for women were introduced some years ago, but were not too successful after being declared 'uncomfortable'.

Another spermicide, Nanoxinone 9, was to be introduced in India some years ago. But clinical trials showed it caused ulcers in the vagina, and so it did not reach the market.

Most countries are now focusing on spermicides to deal with AIDS, with chances of developing a vaccine remaining as remote as ever. More than 20 spermicides are currently being tested around the world.

In fact, even if a vaccine is developed in the West, countries like India may not be able to use it.

"Different subtypes of AIDS are prevalent in Europe and India. Thus, a vaccine developed in European countries may not suit Indian needs," Gangakhedkar said.

--Indo-Asian News Service