New vaginal ring could protect against HIV for three months

NCT ID NCT03670355

Completed Prevention Sponsor: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This early-stage study tested a vaginal ring that slowly releases the HIV drug tenofovir over 90 days. Researchers wanted to see if the ring is safe and delivers enough drug to the body. 49 healthy women took part, and the study measured drug levels in blood, vaginal fluid, and tissue. If it works, this ring could offer a more convenient HIV prevention option than daily pills.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: tenofovir
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a long-acting vaginal ring that women can use for HIV prevention, reducing the need for daily pills.
What could go wrong: This is an early phase 1 trial with only 49 participants, so it is too small to prove effectiveness. The ring may not provide enough protection or could cause side effects.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

HIV infectious disease prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HIV INFECTIONS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Alabama CRS

Birmingham, Alabama, 35294, United States
Bridge HIV CRS

San Francisco, California, 94143, United States
University of Pittsburgh CRS

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

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