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

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. (c) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

MPTs offer combined protection against HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancy, with potential for simplified use and increased public health benefits. Significant progress has been made in the development of MPTs over the past decade, with the potential to grant sexual and reproductive health autonomy to women globally.