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Protocols for Vaginal Inoculation and Sample Collection in the Experimental Mouse Model of Candida vaginitis
Published on: December 8, 2011
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Mechanical testing methods for drug-releasing vaginal rings.
Clare F McCoy1, Bronagh G Millar2, Diarmaid J Murphy1
1School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|January 23, 2019
Summary
This study introduces standardized mechanical tests for vaginal rings (VRs), crucial for ensuring product performance and safety in contraception and HIV prevention. These tests cover hardness, compression, tensile strength, and twist resistance for VRs.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Vaginal rings (VRs) are utilized for contraception, hormone regulation, and investigational antiretroviral delivery to prevent HIV transmission.
- Currently, no international standards exist for the mechanical testing or minimum performance characteristics of VR-based products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a standardized methodology for the mechanical testing of vaginal rings.
- To assess the mechanical properties of commercially available and investigational VR formulations.
Main Methods:
- Mechanical testing including durometer hardness, static and dynamic compression response, tensile properties, and twist resistance.
- Evaluation of both marketed VRs and investigational formulations from the International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM).
Main Results:
- Detailed mechanical properties were assessed for various VR formulations.
- The study provides a comprehensive dataset on the mechanical performance of different VRs.
Conclusions:
- The described mechanical tests can serve as a foundation for developing standardized testing protocols for VRs.
- Standardized testing is essential for ensuring the safety and efficacy of VRs for diverse applications, including drug delivery.
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