Malawi researchers in vaginal ring study to prevent HIV infection

Malawi researchers are currently into an MTN 020 (ASPIRE), a
microbicide study to determine whether a woman's use of a vaginal ring
containing the antiretroviral (ARV) drug dapivirine, which is not
currently used for treatment, is a safe and effective method for
protecting against HIV infection in women when inserted in the vagina
once every 4 weeks.

The research is being conducted by University of North Carolina (UNC)
project in Lilongwe and John Hopkins University (JHU) in Blantyre and
in other SADC countries which have a disproportionate high level of
HIV prevalence in sub Saharan Africa.

UNC project study coordinator Tchangani Tembo said has enrolled a
total of 272 women with 142 at UNC project.

"Women tend to be disproportionately infected in all age groups in the
population. Condoms are widely regarded as inadequate prevention
options for women, because many women are unable to negotiate its use
with their partners.

"Vaginal microbicides, which are self-initiated, offer women a
critically needed new tool to prevent HIV, complementing existing
prevention strategies," he said.

Tembo said currently the study is in follow up stage and results are
anticipated late 2015 or early 2016.

"Plans are far ahead to provide this product if found to be
afficacious to women who have participated in this study with the
product if government allows before it is made widely available when
it is manufactured commercially for all to benefit," said Tembo.

The study is being funded by Southern African AIDS Trust (SAAT).

SAAT Country Program Officer Novice Bamusi said the product will
provide women with an opportunity to protect themselves from acquiring
HIV without their partners knowing when they negotiate sex.

"It will also be another tool in the repertoire of prevention measures
available," he said.