Next generation 3D-printed intravaginal ring for prevention of HIV and unintended pregnancy

Globally, there are 20 million adolescent girls and young women living with HIV who have limited access to long-acting, effective, women-controlled preventative methods. Additionally, although there are many contraceptive methods available, globally, half of all pregnancies remain unintended. Here we report the first 3D printed multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) intravaginal ring (IVR) for HIV prevention and contraception. We utilized continuous liquid interface production (CLIPTM) to fabricate MPT IVRs in a biocompatible silicone-based resin. Etonogestrel (ENG), ethinyl estradiol (EE), and islatravir (ISL) were loaded into the silicone poly(urethane) IVR in a controlled single step drug loading process driven by absorption. ENG/EE/ISL IVR promoted sustained release of drugs for 150 days in vitro and 14 days in sheep. There were no adverse MPT IVRrelated findings of cervicovaginal toxicity or changes in vaginal biopsies or microbiome community profiles evaluated in sheep. Furthermore, ISL IVR in macaques promoted sustained release for 28 days with ISLtriphosphate levels above the established pharmacokinetic benchmark of 50-100 fmol/106 PBMCs. The ISL IVR was found to be safe and well tolerated in the macaques with no observed mucosal cytokine changes or alterations in peripheral CD4 T-cell populations. Collectively, the proposed MPT IVR has potential to expand preventative choices for young women and girls.

Automated summary

The article introduces a 3D printed multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) intravaginal ring (IVR) which can be used for HIV prevention and contraception. The MPT IVR offers a sustained release of drugs for up to 150 days in vitro and 14 days in sheep. It has been found to be safe and well tolerated in macaques, making it a potential option for young women and girls.