Patrick Kiser-
Northwestern University
Researchers at Northwestern University spent the last five years developing a intravaginal ring, which prevents pregnancy, HIV, HPV, and genital herpes.
Patrick Kiser, an associate professor of biomedical engineering and obstetrics at Northwestern, initiated the development of the product to specifically to allow women in developing countries to have more control over their health and bodies.
The ring works similarly to basic contraceptive rings that are currently out on the market. The ring is inserted in the vagina and beings releasing levonorgestrel (a contraceptive) and tenofovir (an anti-retroviral medication).
The ring can be left in for 90 days, but can be removed briefly to be cleaned.
The ring is now being submitted to the FDA for a clinical human trial in the US, if approved.
