Established products are playing a role in HIV/AIDS prevention research headed by the Women´s Global Health Imperative of the University of California, San Francisco. Johnson & Johnson´s Ortho All-Flex® latex diaphragm is being used in a multi-site randomized controlled trial of 5,000 women in South Africa and Zimbabwe to measure the effectiveness of a diaphragm used with lubricant gel in preventing heterosexual acquisition of HIV infection among women.

Johnson & Johnson also donated 48 pelvic models to the trial for demonstrations of proper methods for inserting and removing a diaphragm. All women receive safer-sex counseling, free male condoms, as well as diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Half also will receive the diaphragm and gel so researchers can assess the HIV and STI infection rates of women who use them versus their counterparts. Study results are expected late 2007.