HELES Patch
- User: Female
- Hormonal: Hormonal
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Delivery type:
- Intradermal
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Intended Duration:
- Short-Acting
- Development Stage: Discovery & Early Development
- Developer(s)/researcher(s): University of Lagos
Details
- API: Levonorgestrel, Tranexamic Acid
- Target: Progesterone Receptor, Androgen Receptor, Plasminogen
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Mechanism of Action:
- Cervical Mucus Changes
- Endometrial Changes
- Regimen: Not Yet Determined
- MPT: Not Potential MPT
- Promising Attributes: The HELES patch is primarily intended as a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding, with an additional indication for use as a contraceptive. This dual function may appeal to users seeking a low-cost therapeutic option for HMB.
Product Status
Active/Recent Early Development
History
2025: University of Lagos awarded a Gates Grand Challenges grant to support the development of a novel treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). Their product, a microneedle array patch loaded with the FDA-approved HMB treatment tranexamic acid and the steroid levonorgestrel, would function both as a therapeutic option and as a contraceptive. The grant is intended to facilitate device and formulation development and in vitro testing.