Dapivirine, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, is a potent and 
promising anti-HIV molecule. It is currently being investigated for use as a 
vaginal microbicide in two dosage forms, a semi-solid gel and a silicone 
elastomer ring. Quick-dissolving films are promising and attractive dosage forms 
that may provide an alternative platform for the vaginal delivery of microbicide 
drug candidates. Vaginal films may provide advantages such as discreet use, no 
product leakage during use, lack of requirement for an applicator for insertion, 
rapid drug release and minimal packaging and reduced wastage. Within this study 
the in vitro bioactivity of dapivirine as compared to the NNRTI UC781 was 
further established and a quick dissolve film was developed for vaginal 
application of dapivirine for prevention of HIV infection. The developed film 
was characterized with respect to its physical and chemical attributes including 
water content, mechanical strength, drug release profile, permeability, 
compatibility with lactobacilli and bioactivity. The anti-HIV activity of the 
formulated dapivirine film was confirmed in in vitro and ex vivo models. 
Importantly the physical and chemical properties of the film as well as its 
bioactivity were maintained for a period of 18 months. In conclusion, a vaginal 
film containing dapivirine was developed and characterized. The film was shown 
to prevent HIV-1 infection in vitro and ex vivo and have acceptable 
characteristics which make this film a promising candidate for testing as 
vaginal microbicide.