The proposed study is a single-center, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the delivery of dapivirine from matrix vaginal rings over a 56 and 57 day period and to assess the safety as compared to placebo vaginal rings in 48 healthy, HIV-negative, sexually active women.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women ≥18 and ≤40 years of age who can give written informed consent;

• Available for all visits and consent to follow all procedures scheduled for the trial;

• Healthy and self-reported sexually active (defined as an average of one penetrative penile vaginal coital act per month for the 3 months prior to enrolment);

• Be on a stable form of contraception, defined as:

  • A stable oral contraceptive regimen for at least 2 months prior to enrolment, OR,
  • Transdermal contraceptive patch for at least 3 months prior to enrolment, OR,
  • Long-acting progestins for at least 6 months prior to enrolment, OR,
  • An IUD inserted (with no vaginal or gynaecological complaints associated with its use) at least 3 months prior to enrolment, OR,
  • Have undergone surgical sterilization at least 3 months prior to enrolment;

• In the absence of the use of exogenous hormone(s), have a self-reported regular menstrual cycle, defined as having a minimum of 21 days and a maximum of 35 days between menses;

• Upon pelvic examination and colposcopy at the time of enrolment, the cervix and vagina appear normal as determined by the Investigator;

• Asymptomatic for genital infections at the time of enrolment (if a woman is diagnosed with any treatable STI, either syndromically or by laboratory test at the time of screening, she must receive treatment at least 2 weeks prior to enrolment);

• Willing to refrain from the use of vaginal products or objects including, female condoms, cotton wool, rags, diaphragms, cervical caps (or any other vaginal barrier method), douches, lubricants, vibrators/dildos, and drying agents for 14 days prior to enrolment and for the duration of the trial. Tampon use will be permitted;

• Willing to use oral contraceptives to avoid menstruation, if necessary while taking part in this trial;

• Documentation of no abnormality on Pap test, including grossly bloody smear, within 90 days prior to screening;

• Willing to refrain from participation in any other research trial for the duration of this trial;

• Willing to provide adequate locator information for trial retention purposes and be reachable per local standard procedures [e.g., by home visit or telephone; or via family or close neighbour contacts (confidentiality to be maintained)];

• Willing to agree to abstain from all the following criteria for a total of 2 days (48 hours) prior to each trial visit, as well as for a total of 3 days (72 hours) after the biopsy procedure:

  • Vaginal intercourse
  • Oral contact with her genitalia

• Hepatitis B and C negative at the time of enrolment.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently pregnant or having had their last pregnancy outcome within 3 months prior to screening;
• Currently breast-feeding;
• Currently or within two months of participation in any other clinical research trial involving investigational or marketed products prior to screening;
• Untreated symptomatic urogenital infections, e.g., urinary tract or other sexually transmitted infections, or other gynaecological conditions such as vaginal itching, pain, or discharge, within 2 weeks prior to enrolment;
• Presence of any abnormal clinically significant physical finding on the vulva, vaginal walls or cervix during pelvic examination and/or colposcopy at pre-enrolment;
• History of urogenital or uterine prolapse, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, urethral obstruction, incontinence or urge incontinence;
• Current vulvar or vaginal symptoms / abnormalities that could influence the trial results;
• Pap test result that requires cryotherapy, biopsy, treatment (other than for infection); or further evaluation [this includes any findings of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS)];
• Symptomatic genital HSV infection or a history of genital herpetic infection;
• Any Grade 2, 3 or 4 haematology, chemistry or urinalysis laboratory abnormality at baseline (screening) according to the DAIDS Table for Grading Adverse Events (NOTE: This table can be found at: http://rcc.tech-res.com/safetyandpharmacovigilance;and a standardized version will be provided to the research centre in the Study Operations Manual);
• Unexplained, abnormal bleeding per vagina during or following vaginal intercourse, or gynaecologic surgery within 90 days prior to enrolment;
• Any history of anaphylaxis or severe allergy resulting in angioedema; or a history of sensitivity/allergy to latex or silicone;
• Any serious acute, chronic or progressive disease (e.g., any known history of neoplasm, cancer, diabetes, cardiac disease, autoimmune disease, HIV, AIDS, or blood dyscrasias), or signs of cardiac disease, renal failure, or severe malnutrition;
• Have undergone a hysterectomy;
• Any condition(s) that, in the opinion of the Investigator, might interfere with adherence to trial requirements or evaluation of the trial objectives.