Biodegradable Intrauterine Device
ZnCa IUD, ZnSr IUD
- User: Female
- Hormonal: Non-Hormonal
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Delivery type:
- Intrauterine
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Intended Duration:
- Not Yet Determined
- Development Stage: Discovery & Early Development
- Developer(s)/researcher(s): Jilin University, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Peking University
Details
- API: Zinc, Calcium, Strontium
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Mechanism of Action:
- Inhibition of Sperm Motility
- Inhibition of Sperm Capacitation
- Endometrial Changes
- MPT: Not Potential MPT
- Promising Attributes: Not Yet Established - Concept is in Early Development
Product Status
Active/Recent Material Assessment and Preliminary Design
History
The use of zinc and zinc alloys as the primary material of non-hormonal IUDs has been considered and evaluated since as early as the 1960s. In more recent years, zinc has reemerged as a viable IUD material that, particularly when used alongside other alloys, may produce a more favorable side effect profile than copper IUDs.
2016: Researchers at Peking University affirm that use of three commercially-available zinc alloys as biodegradable medical materials is feasible and potentially biocompatible, particularly at 50% concentration.
2026: Cross-institution development group conducts evaluation of mechanical properties, degradation behavior, antibacterial behavior, and biocompatibility on two zinc combinations, Zinc-Calcium and Zinc-Strontium, as proof-of-concept for biodegradable intrauterine device. Results of material evaluation indicate that the addition of calcium or strontium controls the release of zinc while providing it stability and plasticity, effects which would potentially control inflammation and tissue damage.