Test on anti-AIDS vaginal ring to begin soon

WASHINGTON (AP):

Thousands of women in Africa can volunteer for major new research to see if inserting a vaginal ring coated with an anti-AIDS drug could protect them from HIV infection, United States scientists announced yesterday.

Giving women tools to protect themselves when their partners won't use a condom is crucial for battling the epidemic. Women already make up half of the 34.2 million people worldwide living with HIV, even more, 60 per cent, in hard-hit Africa.

But developing these so-called microbicides has proved a hurdle. Previous research found an anti-AIDS vaginal gel offered partial protection but women may have a hard time using it every time they have sex. The vaginal ring, in contrast, would have to be inserted just once a month for ongoing protection, prompting hope that it will prove more effective.

Focused protection

The work marks an attempt at "the next generation of women-focused prevention tools," Dr Carl Dieffenbach of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) said yesterday in announcing the new research at the International AIDS Conference.

"We need options that fit readily into women's lives," added Dr Sharon Hillier of the University of Pittsburgh and the Microbide Trials Network, which is conducting the new NIH-funded study.

Developed by the non-profit International Partnership for Microbicides, the silicone ring contains an anti-AIDS drug named dapivirine, which slowly oozes out into the surrounding vaginal tissue. Unlike vaginal rings sold today in the US, the experimental ring does not contain birth control; for now, the focus only is on HIV prevention.