The PrEP Ring
Women need new HIV prevention methods
Methods that they can choose and they can control.
What is the PrEP* ring?
The PrEP ring (also known as the Dapivirine
Vaginal Ring) is a self-inserted vaginal ring
containing the antiretroviral drug dapivirine that
can be used for one month to reduce the risk
of HIV acquisition.
The PrEP ring sits inside the vagina near the cervix slowly releases an antiretroviral at the site of potential infection.
*PrEP is the use of a biomedical product before being exposed to HIV to prevent infection.
Benefits of the PrEP Ring
A woman can go about her daily activities as usual.
Dapivirine works by blocking HIV’s ability to make copies of itself inside healthy cells.
It is clear that women need multiple prevention options in order to choose those that make sense in their lives, their realities.
It is important that the PrEP ring is left in place for the full month to ensure that risk reduction is achieved.
How HIV makes copies of itself inside healthy cells
1
HIV attaches to the surface of the CD4 cell
2
HIV proteins and enzymes are released into the cell
3
Reverse transcription produces a double strand HIV
4
Integrase enables HIV to link into the cell’s DNA
5
Protease cuts and reassembles new HIV
6
Each cell produces hundreds of new virions
Characteristics of the PrEP ring.
Flexible silicone vaginal ring, 25mm in diameter and 7.7mm thick.
Contains 25mg of the ARV drug, dapivirine.
Slowly releases ARV dapivirine over 1 month into the vagina, at the site of potential infection. Dapivirine prevents HIV from making copies of itself inside healthy cells.
Shelf life of up to 60 months when stored at or below 30°C.
Extent of Protection
Reduces the risk of HIV infection during receptive vaginal sex
An average of 30% risk reduction seen in clinical trials
Two open label studies found with increased ring use efficacy increased to about 50%
Does not provide protection
Against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Against pregnancy
During anal or oral sex
.png)
