The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of dapivirine vaginal ring (DPV-VR) as an added option for women at considerable risk of HIV infection. DPV-VR has to be used as a component of combination approaches for the prevention of HIV infection.

It was noted in two Phase III randomized controlled trials that the use of DPV-VR diminished the risk of HIV infection among women and long-term use of the treatment approach was well-tolerated. In the Ring Study, there was an HIV risk reduction of 35% for women who used DPV-VR, while the ASPIRE study demonstrated a risk reduction of 27%.

The ring has to be worn inside the vagina for 28 days, following which it has to be replaced with a new ring. This silicone ring can be easily bent and inserted. It releases the drug dapivirine into the vagina gradually over a period of 28 days… (WHO, January 26, 2021)