World Aids Day: HIV prevention drug approved by WHO
Last updated 1st Dec 2021
Scientists at Queen’s University Belfast have helped to get the first ever long-lasting HIV preventing drug for women. over the line.
A device that has been in the works at QUB for two decades has been given the seal of approval from the World Health Organisation.
Researchers from the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University Belfast have been supporting development of a new drug-releasing vaginal ring to protect women from infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It will be the first long-acting option that women can use to reduce their risk of HIV transmission representing an important milestone in prevention technologies.
The monthly dapivirine ring, developed by the International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM) with critical research and development support by Queen’s University Belfast and other organizations, is expected to reach market in 2022 in sub-Saharan Africa, where women's needs for urgent prevention is needed.
Who is it for?
37.7million people in the world are living with HIV, but the ring will mainly help women in sub-Saharan Africa.
What's it made of?
The ring is made of silicone elastomer, a flexible rubber-like material.
How do you put it in, and take it out?
Women insert it themselves, and it works by releasing the antiretroviral drug ‘dapivirine’ slowly over 28 days.
How much will it cost?
The work has been done in collaboration with the International Partnership for Microbicides. The IPM is a not-for-profit organisation, and the aim of the product has always been to produce it at as low a cost as possible.
It will cost around $5 per ring, which can be worn for four full weeks.
How will it help women?
Professor Karl says it is key that women can use the ring themselves to protect against HIV, given that most other options are controlled by men.
Can women get pregnant while using the ring?
Professor Karl explained that many women are concerned from a sexual and reproductive health about their fertility control, but that this device does not affect fertility, meaning women can still use the device and get pregnant.
The teams are however working on another product, which has the anti-retroviral drugs and contraceptive medicines combined.