“Hopefully, the product will receive marketing approval in 2018,” Dr. Rosenberg said.
In addition to sponsoring HOPE, IPM is also sponsoring the ongoing open-label DREAM (Dapivirine Ring Extended Access and Monitoring) study. IPM is also partnering with the Microbicides Trial Network to conduct a separate study of the vaginal ring in adolescents and young women in Africa.
A dapivirine vaginal ring that’s active for 3 months rather than 1 month will begin safety studies later in 2016. The potential advantages of this product are reduced annual cost and fewer clinic visits. Also, a 3-month version of the ring with an added contraceptive has been developed and will begin safety studies in the United States in fall 2016. The possibility that suboptimal adherence can be overcome by a ring containing a higher dose of dapivirine will also be explored, according to Dr. Rosenberg.
Dr. Brown, Dr. Baeten, and Dr. Rosenberg reported having no financial conflicts of interest.