Long‑lasting antibody vaginal ring for non‑hormonal birth control
Official title: Development of an ultrapotent anti-sperm antibody construct for non-hormonal contraception
Funded at Mucommune, LLC · NIH-11478956 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Testing a vaginal ring that slowly releases an antibody to trap sperm and prevent pregnancy for people seeking non‑hormonal contraception.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mucommune, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morrisville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 25, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $575,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R33HD117428-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11478956 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people of reproductive age who want effective non‑hormonal birth control and are willing and able to use an intravaginal device.
✕Less likely to help
This approach would not benefit men, people past reproductive age, or those who cannot or prefer not to use intravaginal products or who need protection against sexually transmitted infections.
What this research studies
You would use a small intravaginal ring that releases a specially designed anti‑sperm antibody over time to clump and trap sperm in mucus so they cannot reach an egg. The team has previously tested related antibodies in early human work and in animal models and is advancing a more potent multimeric antibody (FFIFF) that worked very well in sheep. This project aims to pair that antibody with a capsule‑IVR device that can steadily release the antibody for sustained, user‑controlled contraception. The work combines lab development, formulation of the ring, and preclinical/early clinical steps toward a long‑acting non‑hormonal option.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a long‑acting, user‑controlled contraceptive option that avoids systemic hormones.
How similar studies have gone: Early exploratory human studies with a related anti‑sperm antibody and strong results in sheep models showed promising sperm elimination, but a sustained‑release vaginal ring is a newer, less tested application.
Where this research is happening
-
Mucommune, LLC
Morrisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kushiro, Keiichiro — Mucommune, LLC
- Study coordinator: Kushiro, Keiichiro
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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.