WKU News

Want to Prevent HIV and Pregnancy? Put a Ring On It

Beth Lusk
Tuesday, March 18th, 2014

Want to prevent HIV and pregnancy? Put a ring on it
Journal: PLOS ONE

A team of researchers, led by Northwestern University biomedical engineer Patrick Kiser, has developed an intravaginal ring designed to prevent HIV and unwanted pregnancy.

The ring is the first device to deliver an antiretroviral drug (tenofovir) and a hormonal contraceptive (levonorgestrel), both of which are already used on the market. The device has been engineered to deliver specific amounts of the antiretroviral drug and contraceptive every day.

The researchers hope that administering this medication in an intravaginal ring will increase effectiveness and ease of use. The ring will be entered in clinical trials later this year.

“I think it’s a moment in women’s health to be excited about,” says Kiser. “There are a large number of people working very hard to get these kinds of products into the market and into the hands of women.”

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