Development of a non-hormonal contraceptive intravaginal ring
Official title: IND‐enabling development of MM‐008 IVR, an antibody-based nonhormonal contraceptive intravaginal ring
Funded at Mucommune, LLC · NIH-10706976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, easy-to-use contraceptive ring that women can insert themselves, which releases a special antibody to help prevent pregnancy without hormones, making it a great option for those who prefer not to use hormonal birth control.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mucommune, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morrisville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 19, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,028,445 |
| NIH project number | 5R44HD107824-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10706976 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women seeking non-hormonal contraceptive methods who may have concerns about hormonal side effects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already satisfied with their current contraceptive methods or those who require hormonal contraception will likely not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a new contraceptive method using an intravaginal ring (IVR) that releases a monoclonal antibody to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. The approach focuses on providing a non-hormonal option that is user-controlled and does not require daily dosing or timing with sexual activity. By utilizing a potent anti-sperm antibody, the IVR aims to enhance contraceptive satisfaction and usage among women who are averse to hormonal methods. The research builds on previous animal model validations and leverages recent advancements in antibody production to make this method feasible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide women with a safe, effective, and non-hormonal contraceptive option.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has validated the concept of using monoclonal antibodies for contraception in animal models, indicating a promising avenue for further development.
Where this research is happening
-
Mucommune, LLC
Morrisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cone, Richard — Mucommune, LLC
- Study coordinator: Cone, Richard
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Long‑lasting antibody vaginal ring for non‑hormonal birth control
Testing a vaginal ring that slowly releases an antibody to trap sperm and prevent pregnancy for people seeking non‑hormonal contraception.
-
Vaginal ring releasing non-hormonal antibody contraception for month-long use
A monthly vaginal ring delivers a non-hormonal antibody-based contraceptive, offering a convenient, user-controlled option for women who want to avoid daily dosing or invasive procedures.
-
On-demand non-hormonal vaginal contraception with a fast-dissolving antibody tablet
A new on-demand vaginal tablet dissolves quickly to release a monoclonal antibody for non-hormonal contraception.
-
Biospecimen Core for HMCA Development
A team at Mucommune is building a specialized lab core to measure HMCA antibody levels precisely in animals and people to guide dosing and safety in non-hormonal contraceptive development.
-
Non-hormonal contraceptive antibodies for on-demand vaginal tablet and monthly ring options
A patient-friendly opportunity to support development of a non-hormonal birth control method using a vaginal tablet or ring powered by a potent antibody.
-
Non-hormonal, antibody-based contraception that can be used on demand or long-acting
A new antibody-based method aims to provide safe, hormone-free birth control that a person can use when they choose, with options for both quick-use and longer-lasting protection.
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.