Testing a new intravaginal ring to prevent pregnancy and STIs

Preclinical testing of a novel non-hormonal intravaginal ring to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections

NIH-funded research Population Council · NIH-10914844

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPopulation Council NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10914844 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women seeking effective contraception and protection against STIs without the use of hormonal methods.

Not a fit: Patients who are not interested in contraception or who have contraindications to the use of intravaginal devices may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.