A new device that releases progesterone to help prevent early births in at-risk women
Official title: A novel intravaginal ring technology featuring the sustained release of natural progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth in at-risk women
Funded at Dare Bioscience, INC. · NIH-11000385 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new vaginal ring that slowly releases natural progesterone to help prevent early births in women who are at risk, making it easier for them to get the treatment they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dare Bioscience, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 12, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,016,258 |
| NIH project number | 5R44HD101169-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000385 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who have had a previous preterm birth or those diagnosed with a short cervix during mid-pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without a history of preterm birth or a short cervix may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel intravaginal ring that provides a sustained release of natural progesterone to help prevent preterm birth in women identified as at risk. The device, known as DARE-FRT1, aims to deliver a consistent level of progesterone directly to the cervix, which is crucial for regulating factors associated with labor. By improving the delivery method of progesterone, the research seeks to enhance treatment efficacy and ease of use for women who have previously experienced premature births or have a short cervix. The study builds on promising preclinical findings that demonstrate the device's ability to release progesterone over an extended period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of preterm births and associated health complications for at-risk women.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches using sustained-release hormone delivery systems have shown promise in other areas of reproductive health, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Dare Bioscience, INC.
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Friend, David R — Dare Bioscience, INC.
- Study coordinator: Friend, David R
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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.