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Updated: May 18, 2026
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Published on: January 31, 2020
An intravaginal ring that releases the NNRTI MIV-150 reduces SHIV transmission in macaques
Rachel Singer1, Paul Mawson1, Nina Derby1
1Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY 10065, USA.
Abstract:
Microbicides may prevent HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in women; however, determining the optimal means of delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients remains a major challenge. We previously demonstrated that a vaginal gel containing the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor MIV-150 partially protected macaques from SHIV-RT (simian/HIV reverse transcriptase) infection, and the addition of zinc acetate rendered the gel significantly protective. We test the activity of MIV-150 without the addition of zinc acetate when delivered from either ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or silicone intravaginal rings (IVRs). MIV-150 was successfully delivered, because it was detected in vaginal fluids and tissues by radioimmunoassay in pharmacokinetic studies. Moreover, EVA IVRs significantly protected macaques from SHIV-RT infection. Our results demonstrate that MIV-150-containing IVRs have the potential to prevent HIV infection and highlight the possible use of IVRs for delivering drugs that block HIV and other STIs.
Insights
Intravaginal rings delivering the microbicide MIV-150 show potential for preventing HIV and STIs in women. Ethylene vinyl acetate rings containing MIV-150 significantly protected macaques from simian/HIV reverse transcriptase infection.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Vaginal microbicides are crucial for preventing HIV and STIs in women.
- Optimal delivery of microbicide active pharmaceutical ingredients is a significant challenge.
- Previous studies showed MIV-150 gel with zinc acetate offered protection against SHIV-RT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate MIV-150 delivery via ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or silicone intravaginal rings (IVRs) without zinc acetate.
- To assess the efficacy of MIV-150-loaded IVRs in preventing simian/HIV reverse transcriptase (SHIV-RT) infection in macaques.
Main Methods:
- Pharmacokinetic studies using radioimmunoassay to detect MIV-150 in vaginal fluids and tissues.
- In vivo efficacy studies in macaques using MIV-150-loaded EVA and silicone IVRs against SHIV-RT challenge.
Main Results:
- MIV-150 was successfully delivered and detected in vaginal fluids and tissues.
- Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) IVRs containing MIV-150 demonstrated significant protection against SHIV-RT infection in macaques.
- Silicone IVRs were also tested for MIV-150 delivery.
Conclusions:
- MIV-150-containing IVRs are a viable strategy for preventing HIV infection.
- Intravaginal rings (IVRs) offer a promising platform for delivering drugs to block HIV and other STIs.
- Further development of MIV-150 IVRs could advance women's sexual health and HIV prevention efforts.
