QUB has been at the forefront of global efforts to develop products to protect women against sexually transmitted infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Supported by extensive research by Professor Karl Malcolm & Dr Peter Boyd over 17 years (including early development of the concept), a vaginal ring device offering sustained release of the antiretroviral drug dapivirine has greatly impacted the direction and technology within the HIV prevention field. Phase 3 clinical trials were successfully completed in 2016, and a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency was announced in July 2020. The ring will be the first woman-centered, long-acting HIV prevention method to reach market in 2022. Malcom & Boyd are also critical partners in the development of next-generation ring products offering increased breadth of HIV protection and hormonal contraception.