Clindamycin for treating bacterial vaginosis

Clindamycin phosphate vaginal gel is in clinical development for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, which is a common cause of unusual vaginal discharge caused by a change in the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. Around half of patients with bacterial vaginosis do not show any symptoms; when symptoms are present, the condition is characterised by a fishy-smelling vaginal discharge. This condition is not usually associated with soreness, itching, or irritation. Bacterial vaginosis has a high recurrence rate of around 50% within 1 year and can have a significant negative impact on quality of life for patients, in addition to a risk of serious health complications, such as pre-term labour and pelvic inflammatory disease. Also, adherence to current treatments can be poor as multiple doses are required. These factors highlight the need for more effective therapies for this indication.