Testing a new intravaginal ring to prevent pregnancy and STIs
Official title: Preclinical testing of a novel non-hormonal intravaginal ring to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections
Funded at Population Council · NIH-10914844 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, non-hormonal vaginal ring that releases helpful ingredients to prevent unwanted pregnancies and STIs, giving women a safe and effective alternative to hormonal birth control.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $889,333 |
| NIH project number | 5P50HD106793-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914844 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women seeking effective contraception and protection against STIs without the use of hormonal methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in contraception or who have contraindications to the use of intravaginal devices may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel non-hormonal intravaginal ring (IVR) designed to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The IVR will release a combination of Copper, Zinc acetate, and Lactide over a 30-day period, aiming to provide an alternative to hormonal contraceptives and enhance vaginal health. The study will conduct preclinical testing to assess the safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing of this innovative product, which could offer women more choices in contraception and STI prevention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide women with a new, effective, and non-hormonal option for preventing both pregnancy and STIs.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been successful developments in hormonal contraceptives, this approach of a non-hormonal multipurpose prevention technology is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Population Council
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Teleshova, Natalia — Population Council
- Study coordinator: Teleshova, Natalia
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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.