Woman-controlled antibody vaginal contraceptive (ZB-06)
Project 1: Industrialization of ZB-06
A thin vaginal film with antibodies that aims to trap sperm and help block HIV and other sexually transmitted infections for 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-11168794 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing ZB-06, a thin vaginal film that contains a monoclonal antibody (HCA) which binds a sperm surface protein (CD52g) so sperm clump and get trapped in mucus. The film is intended to be used about 30 minutes before intercourse and early post-coital tests show a large drop in the number of progressively motile sperm reaching the cervix. Earlier work on a similar film (MB66) showed it was safe and that vaginal samples could neutralize HIV and HSV in laboratory tests. The Industrialization Project focuses on manufacturing, product development, and preparing this approach for larger clinical trials and eventual commercialization.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women interested in a woman-controlled, on-demand non-hormonal contraceptive and who meet early-phase clinical trial eligibility would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People seeking permanent sterilization, those who cannot or prefer not to use vaginal products, and pregnant individuals would not benefit from this product.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could provide a non-hormonal, on-demand contraceptive under a woman's control that may also offer protection against HIV and other STIs.
How similar studies have performed: Prior Phase 1 work with the MB66 antibody film showed good safety and ex vivo neutralization of HIV and HSV, and early ZB-06 results show promising reductions in motile sperm, but larger trials are still needed.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whaley, Kevin — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Whaley, Kevin
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.