European Medicines Agency adopts positive opinion on monthly vaginal ring to reduce HIV risk

The International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM) today welcomed a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on the dapivirine vaginal ring for use by cisgender women ages 18 and older in developing countries to reduce their risk of HIV-1 infection. The monthly ring is the first long-acting HIV prevention product, and is designed to address women's unmet need for new methods given the persistently high rates of HIV, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This development is a step toward approval for the ring in countries where the need is most urgent.