A new vaginal ring to prevent genital herpes and unintended pregnancy
Official title: A Novel, Multi-compartment Intravaginal Ring for Prevention of Genital Herpes and Unintended Pregnancy
Funded at Oak Crest Institute of Science · NIH-10979614 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new intravaginal ring that helps protect against genital herpes, HPV, and HIV, while also acting as a birth control method, giving women a convenient way to take charge of their sexual health without needing to use it right before or after sex.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oak Crest Institute of Science NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Monrovia, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $841,397 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI175437-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979614 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are sexually active women who are at risk of genital herpes and are seeking effective contraceptive options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not sexually active or those who do not have a risk of genital herpes or unintended pregnancies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel intravaginal ring that can simultaneously prevent genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), while also serving as a contraceptive method. The approach involves creating a multipurpose technology that combines antiviral peptides and small-molecule inhibitors to enhance effectiveness and user compliance. The ring is designed for long-term use, allowing for controlled delivery of the medication without the need for immediate application before or after sexual intercourse. This innovative method aims to empower women with a user-controlled option for sexual health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide women with an effective, convenient method to prevent both sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing multipurpose products for sexual health, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Oak Crest Institute of Science
Monrovia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baum, Marc Michael — Oak Crest Institute of Science
- Study coordinator: Baum, Marc Michael
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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.