MTN begins first trial of new dapivirine ring with both anti-HIV drug and contraceptive

(Microbicide Trials Network) Researchers hoping for a single product to protect against both HIV and unintended pregnancy took an important step toward realizing their goal with the start of a trial of a vaginal ring containing the antiretroviral drug dapivirine and a hormonal contraceptive. A dapivirine-only ring that women use a month at a time was safe and helped prevent HIV in two large trials. The new ring adds levonorgestrel and could be used for three months.