NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Evaluating a new injectable contraceptive for women

Official title: CENTRAL LABORATORY FOR PHARMACOKINETIC/PHARMACODYNAMIC EVALUATION OF LEVONORGESTREL BUTANOATE FOR FEMALE CONTRACEPTION

Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11177579 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new long-lasting birth control shot called levonorgestrel butanoate, especially for women who are overweight and at risk for blood clots, to see if it can be a safer and easier option than traditional methods.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOregon Health & Science University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, United States)
Project startFebruary 9, 2021
Project endFebruary 8, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$95,077
NIH project number75N94020D00016-P00003-759402100001-1
Project IDNIH-11177579 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are women, particularly those who are obese and seeking effective contraception without the risks associated with estrogen.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not seeking contraception or those who do not have concerns related to obesity or VTE may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a new long-acting injectable contraceptive called levonorgestrel butanoate, designed specifically for women, particularly those who are obese and at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The study aims to provide a safer, estrogen-free alternative to traditional contraceptive methods, which often require strict adherence. By conducting a clinical trial, the research will assess the effectiveness and safety of this new contraceptive formulation, potentially offering a more convenient option for women seeking reliable birth control. Participants will be monitored for adherence and any side effects during the trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective contraceptive option for women, especially those at higher risk for VTE.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with other long-acting contraceptive methods, but this specific formulation is novel and aims to address a unique patient population.

Where this research is happening

  • Oregon Health & Science University
    Portland, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Edelman, Alison — Oregon Health & Science University
  • Study coordinator: Edelman, Alison

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Mobile health support to boost PrEP and contraception use among young women in Zambia

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  • A woman-controlled, nonhormonal on-demand contraceptive device

    This project is creating a woman-controlled vaginal device that releases a fabric-like polymer which thickens on contact with semen to help prevent pregnancy.

    NIH research St. Louis College of Pharmacy · St. Louis, UNITED STATES · NIH-11478955

  • Mobile health tool to boost PrEP and contraception use among female university students in Zambia

    A mobile, peer-supported program helps young women in Zambia start and stick with PrEP and modern contraception to prevent HIV and unintended pregnancy.

    NIH research University of Colorado Denver · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-11385413

  • 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 overweight and at risk for blood clots, to see if it works well and is safe without the added hormones found in other methods.

    NIH research University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11337219

  • 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.

    NIH research Oregon Health & Science University · Portland, United States · NIH-11310101

  • 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

    NIH research Health Decisions, INC. · Morrisville, United States · NIH-11251139

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.