Improving access to hormonal contraception through pharmacist prescribing.
Official title: Hormonal contraceptive Access via Pharmacist-Prescribing Implementation package (HAPPI)
Funded at Empowerx, INC. · NIH-11005409 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to make it easier for people to get reliable birth control by allowing pharmacists to prescribe it, and they're creating helpful tools to support pharmacists and patients in this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Empowerx, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Del Mar, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,014,644 |
| NIH project number | 2R44DP006691-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005409 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals seeking reliable hormonal contraception who may benefit from easier access through community pharmacies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already receiving hormonal contraception through other means or those who do not require contraceptive services may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance access to reliable hormonal contraception by enabling pharmacists to prescribe contraceptive services. The project will develop a toolkit that includes a software application and a web-based community platform to support pharmacists in providing these services effectively. By involving both pharmacists and patients in the design process, the research seeks to create a user-friendly system that addresses the needs of the community. The project will be implemented in phases, focusing on prototyping, evaluation, and practical application in community pharmacies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase access to hormonal contraception, thereby reducing the rate of unintended pregnancies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous initiatives have shown promise in improving contraceptive access through pharmacist involvement, indicating potential for success with this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Empowerx, INC.
Del Mar, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rafie, Sally — Empowerx, INC.
- Study coordinator: Rafie, Sally
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
PEP/PrEP access via pharmacist-prescribing by community pharmacists
A community-pharmacy-based program tests giving PrEP and PEP directly from pharmacists to improve HIV prevention in communities.
-
Preparing Pharmacists for Public Health Services (PrePPS)
A software tool helps community pharmacists learn and apply up-to-date public health services so they can better support prevention and care for patients.
-
Easier access to hormonal birth control at local pharmacies
Tools and an app to help community pharmacists offer hormonal birth control more easily for people who want reliable contraception.
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.