Non-hormonal, antibody-based contraception that can be used on demand or long-acting
Official title: Preclinical and clinical development of on-demand and sustained non-hormonal contraceptives based on highly multivalent contraceptive antibody
Funded at Mucommune, LLC · NIH-11464357 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | September 7, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,860,006 |
| NIH project number | 1P50HD123737-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11464357 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals seeking non-hormonal contraception who prefer user-controlled, potentially on-demand or longer-acting options.
✕Less likely to help
People who are seeking hormonal contraception or are willing to use other methods not based on antibodies.
What this research studies
This project develops a highly multivalent antibody designed to block sperm and prevent pregnancy without hormones, with both on-demand and sustained delivery formats. It builds on prior work showing anti-sperm antibodies can stop sperm movement and aims to optimize potency and cost-effectiveness for real-world use. The work includes clinical development steps to translate a targeted antibody approach into user-controlled contraception that respects varying lifestyles and preferences. If successful, it could offer a non-hormonal option that many people may find acceptable and easy to adopt. The collaboration involves MUCOMMUNE, LLC, and a team led by Keiichiro Kushiro, focusing on product formats, bioassays, and early clinical testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, people could have a safe, hormone-free option that they can use when needed or rely on for longer-term protection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous anti-sperm antibody approaches showed promising activity; this project advances to multivalent design for sustained contraception, representing a potentially meaningful advancement with some prior positive signals.
Where this research is happening
-
Mucommune, LLC
Morrisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kushiro, Keiichiro — Mucommune, LLC
- Study coordinator: Kushiro, Keiichiro
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.