SMART Polymer Non-Steroidal Contraceptive Device
- User: Female
- Hormonal: Non-Hormonal
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Delivery type:
- Vaginal - Other
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Intended Duration:
- Not Yet Determined
- Development Stage: Pre-Clinical
- Developer(s)/researcher(s): St. Louis College of Pharmacy, Washington University, Brigham and Women's Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Yale University
Details
- API: Bioresponsive Polymer Mixture
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Mechanism of Action:
- Inhibition of Sperm Motility
- Inhibition of Sperm Capacitation
- Regimen: Not Yet Determined
- MPT: Not Yet Determined
- Promising Attributes: Developers indicate that a SMART polymer-based method would provide rapid, non-steroidal contraceptive effect without vaginal irritation.
Product Status
Active Pre-Clinical Development
History
2019 - 2025: St. Louis College of Pharmacy receives NIH funding to support multi-stage development of non-woven, bioresponsive SMART polymer fiber mats for contraceptive application. Mats are mucoadhesive and intended to rapidly convert to a gel phase upon contact with vaginal secretions, which will create a vaginal environment that reduces sperm motility and viability. Development has progressed to in vivo evaluation. The device may also have potential to be loaded with additional API.