Agreement offers new HIV prevention possibilities for women

The International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM) announced that it has received exclusive worldwide rights to a promising HIV prevention medicine called dapivirine from Janssen R&D Ireland.

The agreement expands on IPM’s existing rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize dapivirine-based products for use by women in developing countries such as a vaginal ring that combines dapivirine and a contraceptive.

This marks a proud moment for Irish Aid, a key supporter of IPM since its founding in 2002 in their goal of accelerating the development of – and access to – effective microbicides for women living in the world’s poorest settings. Congratulations also to Janssen R&D Ireland for their insight and innovation!

“This agreement could have profound implications for women’s health,” said Dr. Peter Piot, director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and founding executive director of UNAIDS. “Not only will it expand women’s access to affordable, potentially lifesaving prevention products but also make sure research into new tools continues. It serves as a valuable model for how creative partnerships can help tackle some of the most daunting global health challenges.”

The importance of such partnerships cannot be underestimated. Public-private partnerships are fast becoming a cornerstone for tackling global health issues. And the issue of HIV which is being targeted by Janssen and IPM is a very real one. Despite the fall in HIV infection rates by a third since 2001, there are still too many women yet to benefit from treatment breakthroughs. Indeed, in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa, women aged 15 – 24 are three to four times more likely to be infected with HIV as their male counterparts.