ABSTRACT
Introduction
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), as well as pre- and post-menopausal women globally would benefit from expanded choice to address their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs related to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy prevention. Lack of adequate preventative vaccines for HIV/STIs reinforces public health prioritization for options women may use to mitigate risk for infectious disease and unplanned pregnancy. Drug releasing intravaginal rings (IVRs) represent one such technology that has garnered attention based on the modality’s success as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery option in HIV risk reduction.
Areas covered
This article provides a synopsis of three IVR technologies in active clinical development for prevention of HIV, STI, and unintended pregnancy demonstrating advancements in terms of compatibility with a wide range of drug types with a focus on dapivirine-based silicone rings (International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM), tenofovir-based polyurethane rings (Conrad), and pod-based rings (Oak Crest Institute of Science)).
Expert opinion
The goals of IVR research are to reduce burdens of HIV/STIs and unplanned pregnancies. Through the evolution of IVR technologies, the potential exists to trigger integration of health-care services through formulation of products with multiple indications.
Article highlights
Addressing development of MPT configurations that target issues that are important to AGYW health will not only provide public health impact, but could also potentially reduce total costs associated with co-administration of multiple products for female genital tract indications.
The degree to which IVR technology can be expanded more broadly for women’s sexual and reproductive health indications may reflect a parallel integration of women’s integrated health care, particularly in parts of the world where such health-care options are inadequate and health systems overburdened. IVR technology potentially represents a kind of reverse paradigm, where products lead healthcare system development driving the need for integration of services to be more responsive for the individual holistically.
The ultimate goals of IVR research efforts are to reduce global burdens of HIV/STIs and unplanned pregnancy and with the ongoing evolution of IVR technologies, the potential exists to do this effectively.
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Declaration of interest
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
Reviewer disclosures
Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.