Vaginal film with an antibody to block sperm and protect against STIs
Antibody-based Contraceptive MPTs: Advancing the Human Contraceptive Antibody (HCA) through Clinical Trials
This project is developing a vaginal film that uses a human antibody to block sperm and help prevent some sexually transmitted infections for sexually active women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168789 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would place a thin vaginal film called ZB-06 that contains a human antisperm antibody (HCA) aimed at preventing sperm from reaching the cervix and, in combination with other antibodies, reducing some STI risks. The team manufactured GMP-grade HCA, obtained an exploratory IND, and has run a Phase 1 trial with safety and a postcoital test to see whether motile sperm are blocked. Early results from the first six women showed the film was safe and highly effective at preventing motile sperm from entering the endocervix. The center is scaling up production and planning further clinical trials to confirm safety and contraceptive effectiveness in more women.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Healthy, sexually active women interested in a non-hormonal, topical contraceptive and willing to attend clinic visits (likely in the Boston area) would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: This product would not be appropriate for men, pregnant people, those seeking permanent sterilization, or anyone unable to use vaginal products or with allergies to the product components.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a non-hormonal, on-demand contraceptive option that might also reduce risk of certain STIs.
How similar studies have performed: Related work with a vaginal film (MB-66) showed safety and lab-level activity against HIV/HSV, and early Phase 1 data for ZB-06 show promising sperm-blocking results, but larger trials are needed to prove effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anderson, Deborah J — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Anderson, Deborah J
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 below.