First-in-class agent to clear high-risk HPV in women
Official title: A first-in-class product for the clearance of high-risk human papillomaviruses
Funded at Dare Bioscience, INC. · NIH-11248813 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new vaginal insert combining two antiviral drugs aims to clear high-risk HPV infections in women who have persistent infections.
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 17, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,000,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI188623-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11248813 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women with persistent high-risk HPV infections who have limited or no FDA-approved treatment options may be eligible for future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without persistent HR-HPV infection or those not suitable for intravaginal therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This program focuses on DARE-HPV, a vaginal insert designed to target persistent high-risk HPV and reduce risk of cervical cancer. The project includes safety testing, pharmacokinetic analysis, and assay development to ensure the product is safe and measurable in blood and cervical tissue. If successful, the work will support moving toward an IND and potential future clinical use for women with HR-HPV infections who have limited approved treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a new, locally applied treatment to clear persistent HR-HPV infections and lower cervical cancer risk for women.
How similar studies have gone: A prior clinical proof-of-concept study showed HR-HPV clearance in a significant portion of participants after a short treatment course.
Where this research is happening
-
Dare Bioscience, INC.
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thurman, Andrea Ries — Dare Bioscience, INC.
- Study coordinator: Thurman, Andrea Ries
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting FKBP51 to Prevent Stress-Related Preterm Birth
A new drug approach aims to block a stress-related protein (FKBP51) to help prevent preterm birth in pregnant people.
-
A new vaginal treatment for high-risk HPV infections
This study is testing a new vaginal insert called DARE-HPV that aims to help women clear stubborn high-risk HPV infections, which can lead to cervical cancer, using a combination of two medications that support healthy cell growth.
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A new device that releases progesterone to help prevent early births in at-risk women
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.
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.