A vaginal ring tested in sheep appears able to launch an HIV medication for up to 90 days, scientists report.
An anti-HIV vaginal band could allow sexually active women to gain some protection against the virus without counting on her partner to use a condom.
The research is in the preliminary stages, and since the device -- one of the that are under advancement -- was not tested in women yet, it really is unknown if it will work in people. Specialists explain that results from pet research do not always connect with humans.
But if further studies also show it works in females, the device could be used for more than avoidance of an infection with the virus that triggers AIDS, the researchers described in a news release from the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.
"We anticipate that this next-generation ring will be able to release a spectral range of medicines that currently can't be delivered because of limitations of regular technology," lead researcher Patrick Kiser, an associate professor at the University of Utah, said in the news release.
"This ring is a breakthrough design because it is highly adaptable to nearly every drug; the amount of drug delivered every day is the same and the release rate could be modified easily if required," Kiser added.
For the analysis, the researchers tested the diaphragm-like ring on sheep and discovered that it was in a position to release appropriate levels of the HIV drug tenofovir, that may prevent the sexual transmission of the virus. A tenofovir gel is normally available for use in the vagina, but it doesn't seem to be extremely protective, the study authors noted, probably because women aren't willing to use it.
Dr. Myron Cohen, associate vice chancellor for global health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, agreed that the device shows promise.
"If this computes, it's an excellent thing for ladies," he said.
The key, however, will be identifying how well the ring prevents transmission of the virus, he pointed out. In comparison to condoms, which are very protective, "you need a pretty high degree of effectiveness," observed Cohen, who was not involved with the research.
Researchers will also have to figure out if the ring causes side effects such as for example irritation, he added.
The research is scheduled for presentation Tuesday at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists annual meeting in Chicago. Study provided at medical meetings ought to be considered preliminary until released in a peer-reviewed journal.
