A device for women to use on-demand contraception without hormones
Official title: Multipurpose Device for Female-initiated Nonsteroidal On-Demand Contraception
Funded at St. Louis College of Pharmacy · NIH-11063385 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, hormone-free contraceptive device that women can use on their own, which works by becoming thicker when it touches semen to help prevent pregnancy, offering a safe and easy option for birth control.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Louis College of Pharmacy NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (St. Louis, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $474,946 |
| NIH project number | 1R61HD117424-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063385 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women seeking non-hormonal contraceptive options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in contraception or who require hormonal contraceptive methods may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an innovative contraceptive device that women can initiate themselves, which does not rely on hormones. The device uses a unique bioresponsive polymer that increases in viscosity when it comes into contact with semen, effectively preventing pregnancy. The approach aims to provide a safer and more socially acceptable alternative to traditional contraceptive methods. By utilizing a dual-compartment vaginal device, the research seeks to empower women with a non-pharmacological option for contraception that can be deployed as needed.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide women with a safe, effective, and hormone-free method of contraception.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach is innovative, similar bioengineering strategies in contraceptive technology have shown promise, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Louis College of Pharmacy
St. Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pauletti, Giovanni M — St. Louis College of Pharmacy
- Study coordinator: Pauletti, Giovanni M
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-
Evaluating a new injectable contraceptive for women
This study is testing a new long-lasting birth control shot called levonorgestrel butanoate, especially for women who are obese and may be at risk for blood clots, to see if it can be a safer and easier option without the hormones found in many other contraceptives.
-
Evaluating a new injectable contraceptive for women
This study is testing a new long-lasting birth control shot called levonorgestrel butanoate, which is made for women, especially those who are overweight and may have a higher risk of blood clots, to see how well it works and how it moves through the body, while offering a safer and easier option than taking a pill eve
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.