Scientists discover Topical antiretroviral drug which prevents (s)HIV transmission during Sex

For the first time, researchers show that two powerful antiretroviral drugs can provide complete protection against HIV when delivered topically by a sustained release intravaginal ring (IVR) device. The combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine delivered at independently controlled rates via the pod-IVR was successful at preventing SHIV162p3 infection for over four months.

Findings published last week in the journal PLOS ONE confirm that researchers from the Oak Crest Institute of Science, located in Monrovia, have demonstrated for the first time that two powerful antiretroviral (AVR) drugs can provide complete protection against HIV when delivered topically by a sustained release intravaginal ring (IVR) device.

The study shows, Topical Delivery of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate and Emtricitabine from Pod-Intravaginal Rings Protect Macaques(a specie of Monkeys ) from Multiple SHIV Exposures, confirm that the combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and emtricitabine (FTC) delivered at independently controlled rates via the pod-IVR were successful at preventing SHIV162p3 infection in a rigorous, repeat low-dose vaginal exposure model using normally cycling female pigtailed macaques.

Currently, the only FDA-approved ARV drug for HIV PrEP (Preexposure Prophylaxis), is the oral combination of TDF and FTC. "The novel and versatile drug delivery system that our team is developing has proven that it has the capacity to deliver and maintain protective levels of multiple drugs," states Dr. Baum. "Protection against (S)HIV virus that was observed in this study warrants clinical evaluation of the pod-IVR design and the sustained delivery of a variety of AVRs to find the best combination possible."