The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre and Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation research sites at Crossroads and Masiphumelele (respectively), were involved in two clinical studies which show the effectiveness of dapivirine vaginal microbicide ring in the prevention of HIV infection.

The results of two trials called ASPIRE/MTN 020 and The Ring Study/IPM 027 were disclosed at a press conference at the Conference on Retroviral and Opportunistic Infection in Boston, USA on Monday 22nd February 2016.

​Both trials showed statistically significant reductions in HIV infections among women who used the vaginal ring containing the ARV dapivirine. Both trials also established that the dapivirine ring, used continuously for a month at a time, is safe to use.

Read the Press Releases

Two Large Studies Show IPM’s Monthly Vaginal Ring Helps Protect Women Against HIV - IPM

​Dapivirine vaginal ring helped protect women against HIV in ASPIRE Phase III trial - MTN

 

Press Release courtesy of Professor Linda-Gail Bekker, Deputy Director, The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre