P50HD106793

Contraception Development Research Center to Advance a Novel Intravaginal Ring as a Non-Hormonal Multipurpose Prevention Technology - Overall – Abstract

The overarching goal of the Population Council’s (PC) P50 proposal is to develop an innovative non-hormonal multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) intravaginal ring (IVR) with the potential to improve the lives of millions of women globally by combating the overlapping burdens of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

Emerging data indicate that women overwhelmingly prefer products that prevent pregnancy and STIs/HIV over ones that prevent only pregnancy or only STIs/HIVs. Our ‘CZL-IVR’ is a user-controlled 30-day IVR containing three active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), copper (C), zinc acetate (Z), and lactide (L) (a lactic acid prodrug) that together have non-hormonal contraceptive and anti-STI/HIV activity including chlamydia (CT), gonorrhea (GC), HSV-2, and HIV-1. Lactide maintains optimal vaginal pH and provides antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-bacterial vaginosis (BV) effects.

We will advance development of our CZL-IVR through implementation of three integrated research projects.

In Project 1, we aim to formulate and manufacture CZL-IVRs that achieve 30-day API delivery, manufacture and characterize in vitro mechanical performance of IVRs with varying dimensions and polymers with the selection of four candidates with a range of mechanical characteristics to evaluate in end-user research, and establish good manufacturing practice (GMP) production for non-medicated rings for research conducted in Project 3.

In Project 2, we aim to define the optimal API delivery doses of the three APIs alone and in combination, and to confirm the efficacy and safety of the prototype CZL-IVR by conducting essential preclinical studies including in-vitro and in-vivo contraceptive efficacy and antimicrobial efficacy and toxicity studies of APIs and of prototype human-sized and rhesus macaque-sized CZL-IVRs.

In Project 3, we will inform CZL-IVR development and the field more broadly through end-user research employing novel mixed method approaches including a controlled setting cross-over study of the four selected candidate non-medicated IVRs of varying mechanical characteristics, a 30-day continuous use study of a non-medicated prototype IVR with an embedded temperature sensor, and a national cross-sectional survey with a discrete choice experiment (DCE) and latent class analysis (LCA).

The Administrative Core will support and synergize our interdisciplinary collaborative research, provide scientific, administrative, and operational expertise and oversight, and manage advisory committees to ensure adherence to timelines and success in achieving our aims through rigorous science.

Our P50 Center will be a hub fostering careers of early stage investigators and inspiring MPT product development through fellowships and pilot project grants. Drawing from our world-class Center for Biomedical Research and building on decades of successful contraceptive product development, the PC’s P50 Center will capitalize on the rich, collaborative, and interdisciplinary environment and the vast experience of the PC and our partners to advance development of an innovative MPT product.

The Population Council

TO CONDUCT AND SUPPORT LABORATORY RESEARCH, CLINICAL TRIALS, AND STUDIES WITH PEOPLE THAT EXPLORE HEALTH PROCESSES. NICHD RESEARCHERS EXAMINE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, BIOLOGIC AND REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTIONS, BEHAVIOR PATTERNS, AND POPULATION DYNAMICS TO PROTECT AND MAINTAIN THE HEALTH OF ALL PEOPLE. TO EXAMINE THE IMPACT OF DISABILITIES, DISEASES, AND DEFECTS ON THE LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS. WITH THIS INFORMATION, THE NICHD HOPES TO RESTORE, INCREASE, AND MAXIMIZE THE CAPABILITIES OF PEOPLE AFFECTED BY DISEASE AND INJURY. TO SPONSOR TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR SCIENTISTS, DOCTORS, AND RESEARCHERS TO ENSURE THAT NICHD RESEARCH CAN CONTINUE. BY TRAINING THESE PROFESSIONALS IN THE LATEST RESEARCH METHODS AND TECHNOLOGIES, THE NICHD WILL BE ABLE TO CONDUCT ITS RESEARCH AND MAKE HEALTH RESEARCH PROGRESS UNTIL ALL CHILDREN, ADULTS, FAMILIES, AND POPULATIONS ENJOY GOOD HEALTH. THE MISSION OF THE NICHD IS TO ENSURE THAT EVERY PERSON IS BORN HEALTHY AND WANTED, THAT WOMEN SUFFER NO HARMFUL EFFECTS FROM REPRODUCTIVE PROCESSES, AND THAT ALL CHILDREN HAVE THE CHANCE TO ACHIEVE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL FOR HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE LIVES, FREE FROM DISEASE OR DISABILITY, AND TO ENSURE THE HEALTH, PRODUCTIVITY, INDEPENDENCE, AND WELL-BEING OF ALL PEOPLE THROUGH OPTIMAL REHABILITATION.

93.865 - Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) [HHS - NIH]

New York United States

State-Wide

Contraceptive Development Research Centers (CDRC) Program (P50 Clinical Trial Optional) (RFA-HD-21-011)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 340% from $2,000,000 to $8,795,282.