Non-hormonal vaginal ring to prevent pregnancy and common STIs
Official title: Formulation development and testing of a novel non-hormonal intravaginal ring to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections
Funded at Population Council · NIH-11167701 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new non-hormonal vaginal ring is being developed to provide long-acting contraception and reduce risk of several common sexually transmitted infections for people who want an easy-to-use option.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Population Council NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $108,937 |
| NIH project number | 5P50HD106793-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167701 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be people with a vagina and cervix who want long-acting, non-hormonal birth control and who are at risk for or concerned about common STIs.
✕Less likely to help
People who are already pregnant, cannot or prefer not to use intravaginal devices, need hormonal contraception, or have allergies to ring components may not benefit from this product.
What this research studies
This project is creating a non-hormonal intravaginal ring that slowly releases agents to both block sperm and fight infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, bacterial vaginosis, HSV-2, and HIV. Researchers at Population Council, Weill Cornell, and Queen's University Belfast will design and manufacture ring formulations, run laboratory and safety tests, and move promising versions toward clinical evaluation. The team aims for a practical, long-acting device that users can insert and forget for extended protection. Work includes laboratory assays, preclinical testing, and preparation for human testing at collaborating sites.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the ring could offer a long-acting, non-hormonal contraceptive that also lowers the chance of several common STIs, helping prevent unintended pregnancies and infections.
How similar studies have gone: Existing vaginal rings and multipurpose prevention technologies have shown promise for single-purpose contraception or drug delivery, but combining non-hormonal contraception with broad antibacterial and antiviral protection is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Population Council
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Variano, Bruce F — Population Council
- Study coordinator: Variano, Bruce F
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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.