A vaginal ring that releases lactic acid to prevent and treat bacterial vaginosis
Official title: Engineering a physiologically-tuned reservoir intravaginal ring releasing lactic acid for the treatment and prevention of bacterial vaginosis
Funded at Mucommune, LLC · NIH-11398077 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A woman-friendly intravaginal ring could steadily release lactic acid to help prevent and treat bacterial vaginosis and reduce recurrence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mucommune, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morrisville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 21, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $309,210 |
| NIH project number | 5R43AI189008-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11398077 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women with a history of bacterial vaginosis or those at risk for BV who would consider a lactic acid-releasing vaginal ring.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without BV or those not suitable for intravaginal devices may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop a vaginal ring that delivers lactic acid at levels that maintain a protective vaginal environment. It focuses on translating lab findings into a product that can sustain high lactic acid in the vagina to reduce BV recurrence, a common issue for many women. The team will study how much lactic acid a ring must release in humans to be effective, addressing a key gap in product development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this ring could provide long-lasting protection against BV and lower the risk of related infections and pregnancy complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows lactic acid can help inhibit vaginal pathogens, but a sustained-release ring for BV prevention is still developing.
Where this research is happening
-
Mucommune, LLC
Morrisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kushiro, Keiichiro — Mucommune, LLC
- Study coordinator: Kushiro, Keiichiro
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.