dapivirine + levonorgestrel

The combination of dapivirine and levonorgestrel is being developed as a user-controlled, dual-purpose vaginal ring designed to provide both HIV prevention and contraception. Dapivirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) that acts locally in the female lower reproductive tract to inhibit HIV replication within CD4 cells, thereby reducing the risk of sexual transmission of HIV. Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestin that binds to progesterone receptors, suppressing ovulation by inhibiting gonadotropin release and altering cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration. The ring releases both drugs over an extended period (up to 90 days), offering long-acting protection against both unintended pregnancy and HIV infection. This product was initially developed by the International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM) and later acquired by Population Council[1][3][5][8].

Other names

dapivirine-levonorgestrel vaginal ring