Advances in long-acting injectables, implants, and vaginal rings for contraception and HIV prevention

Abstract

Worldwide, women face compounding reproductive health risks, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancy. Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) offer combined protection against these overlapping risks in singular prevention products that offer potential for simplified use, lower burden, higher acceptability, and increased public health benefits. Over the past decade, substantial progress has been made in development of extended-release MPTs, which have further potential to grant sexual and reproductive health autonomy to women globally and to offer choice for women to accommodate varying needs during their reproductive lives. Here, we highlight the advances made in injectable, implant, and ring delivery forms, and the importance of incorporating end-user preferences early in the research and development of these products.

Keywords: Contraception; Dual prevention product; End-user preferences; HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); Implants; Injectables; Long-acting prevention; Microbicides; Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPT); Vaginal rings.