dapivirine vaginal ring

The dapivirine vaginal ring is a flexible silicone vaginal ring that slowly releases the antiretroviral drug dapivirine over the course of one month to reduce the risk of HIV infection through vaginal intercourse. It is a user-controlled, non-systemic, topical HIV prevention product designed for women at substantial risk of HIV infection. The ring works by releasing approximately 4 mg of dapivirine from its 25 mg reservoir over a 28-day period directly to the site of potential infection in the vagina. As a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), dapivirine blocks HIV's reverse transcriptase enzyme, preventing the virus from replicating inside cells and spreading in the body. Clinical trials showed the ring reduced HIV infection risk by 35-50%, with higher effectiveness associated with better adherence. The ring is intended to be used in combination with safer sex practices when oral PrEP is not feasible or available.

Brand names

DapiRing

Other names

PrEP ringDVR