Population Council Research that makes a difference

Laboratory scientists at the Population Council's Center for Biomedical Research (CBR) are developing drug-loaded vaginal rings to block HIV infection in humans. The rings release MIV-150, an enzyme inhibitor that prevents infected cells from producing new virus.

Based on commercially available contraceptive products, the Council’s rings are made of either silicone rubber or a plastic material called EVA. They release MIV-150 for up 2 months, potentially providing continuous protection against HIV infection.

Using an animal model of infection, Council scientists have shown that a silicone vaginal ring loaded with MIV-150 failed to block a modified form of HIV infection in macaques (monkeys). Studies with an EVA ring that releases 5 times as much MIV-150 are planned for later this year.

MIV-150 was originally developed as a potential HIV therapy by Medivir AB and Chiron Corporation. In nonclinical tests conducted by Medivir/Chiron and confirmed by scientists at CBR, MIV-150 has shown significantly increased activity against HIV-1 primary isolates, mutants, and strains of HIV-1 resistant to other anti-HIV drugs. Extensive pharmacology and toxicology testing showed that MIV-150 is nontoxic in vitro and in vivo.

Council scientists are also preparing combination vaginal rings loaded with either MIV-150 and zinc salts or MIV-150 and a contraceptive. The MIV-150/zinc ring might provide superior protection against HIV compared to a ring loaded with MIV-150 alone; the MIV-150/contraceptive ring can be used by those women who want to be protected from both pregnancy and HIV.

Related project: Nonclinical Laboratory Studies: PC-1005 Gel (Carrageenan with Added MIV-150 and Zinc Salts)