Combined Copper and Metal IUDs
Cu-Mg IUD, Cu-Zn IUD, Cu-Fe IUD
- User: Female
- Hormonal: Non-Hormonal
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Delivery type:
- Intrauterine
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Intended Duration:
- Long-Acting
- Development Stage: Pre-Clinical
- Developer(s)/researcher(s): Peking University, China National Research Institute for Family Planning, University of Technology Sydney, University of Maryland
Details
- API: Copper, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron
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Mechanism of Action:
- Cervical Mucus Changes
- Inhibition of Sperm Capacitation
- Inhibition of Sperm Motility
- Regimen: Not Yet Determined
- MPT: Not Potential MPT
- Promising Attributes: The addition of other metals shows potential for reducing the inflammatory response in the uterine lining after Copper IUD insertion, which can lead to unwanted side effects.
Product Status
Active Pre-Clinical Research
History
2005: Study out of Dalian University of Technology proposed using aluminum to form a protective passive film on a copper-zinc-aluminum (Cu–Zn–Al) alloy to inhibit the cathodic reduction of oxygen, thus decreasing the alloy’s corrosion rate.
2021: Researchers investigated an ultra-fine-grained copper-magnesium alloy (0.4wt% Mg) was investigated as a potential IUD material to attempt to decrease the corrosion rate of Cu and avoid unwanted side-effects
2022: Research led by the National Research Institute for Family Planning investigated the use of two copper alloys, Cu-38 Zn and H62 as the new upgrading or alternative material for IUDs. The Cu-38 Zn alloy exhibited reduced burst release of Cu2+ within the first month and displayed significantly improved biocompatibility and a much smoother surface.
2024: Researchers at the National Research Institute for Family Planning and Peking Union Medical College continue evaluation of copper-combination IUDs, initiating in vitro and in vivo testing of a copper-iron IUD.