Week-long bioadhesive vaginal film that slowly releases antibodies to prevent pregnancy and STIs
Official title: Development of a bioadhesive vaginal film for extended release of MPT antibodies
Funded at Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation · NIH-11478948 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Creating a vaginal film that slowly releases antibodies for up to seven days to help women prevent pregnancy and infections like HIV and HSV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $851,144 |
| NIH project number | 4R33HD117426-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11478948 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women at risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, especially those seeking a discreet, non-hormonal prevention option, would be the intended users or trial candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People not at risk of pregnancy or those who need systemic protection beyond the vagina (or who cannot use intravaginal products) may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project is making a thin, sticky vaginal film you can apply that holds both a contraceptive antibody and antibodies that target HIV and HSV. The film is designed to release those antibodies slowly so protection lasts about seven days after one use. The team builds on earlier safe, fast-release antibody films and lab tests showing the antibodies can block sperm and viruses in vaginal samples. They are refining the film to keep working through menses and sexual activity and to be discreet and low cost for women at higher risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the product could give women a discreet, non-hormonal option to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of HIV and HSV for up to a week after one application.
How similar studies have gone: Prior Phase 1 studies of fast-release antibody vaginal films showed they were safe, well tolerated, and had lab evidence of blocking sperm and viruses, but extended-release combination films are a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rohan, Lisa Cencia — Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation
- Study coordinator: Rohan, Lisa Cencia
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.