And if The preservative had found his replacement? Researchers from Northwestern University (Virginia, United States) have developed, after 5 years of study, a new generation vaginal ring. It would be able to protect women from unwanted pregnancy but also sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV or genital herpes.
Today, The preservative is the only 99% effective means for such protection. However, only 5% of men use it during sex. The result: 2.5 million people contract HIV each year.
A scientific challenge
Since the 2000s, around sixty devices have been tested by researchers to replace the essential condom. None of them saw the light of day.
Dr Patrick Kiser and his team of researchers, in partnership with the Conrad Non-Governmental Organization and funded in part by the Bill and Miranda Gates Foundation, therefore tackled a major challenge. To achieve this, their vaginal ring is made up of two parts: one that diffuses tenofovir, an antiretroviral (10 milligrams per day) and the other of levonogestrel, one. contraceptive hormonal (10 micrograms). It would be effective for 90 days.
Clinical trials began in November 2014 on 50 female volunteers in the United States and the Dominican Republic. No marketing date is planned for the moment.
Another ring tested on the African continent
Dapivirine Ring, developed by the International Partnership for Microbicide, is being tested on a larger scale. 5,000 female volunteers are testing it in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The latter has no contraceptive effect but offers protection against HIV and other STIs because it releases an antiretroviral, Dapivirine. Compared to the already existing tablets, this ring makes it possible to administer a lower dose of substance and to avoid omissions. The results will be known at the end of 2016 with a hope of commercialization in 2018.
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