Active
Last updated: June 22, 2026

Yaso Gel

PPCM Vaginal Gel

  • User: Female
  • Hormonal: Non-Hormonal
  • Delivery type:
    • Vaginal Gel
  • Intended Duration:
    • Pericoital
  • Development Stage: Phase I
  • Developer(s)/researcher(s): Yaso Therapeutics, NIAID, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Texas Medical Branch, NICHD, University of Pittsburgh, Magee-Womens Research Institute
Details
  • API: Poly-[1, 4-Phenylene-(1-Carboxy) Methylene] (PPCM)
  • Target: Not Yet Determined
  • Mechanism of Action:
    • Inhibition of Sperm Capacitation
    • Other
  • Inactive Materials: CMC, Xanthan Gum, Propylene Glycol, Water
  • Regimen: On Demand
  • MPT: Potential MPT
  • Promising Attributes: Spermicidal gels may meet consistent user demand for user-controlled, non-hormonal pericoital methods. Developer indicates that the gel exhibits excellent activity against HSV, HIV, N. gonorrhoeae, & Ebola virus.
Product Status

Active/Recent Clinical Evaluation

History

2002: Rush University publishes first pre-clinical evidence indicating a specific potential contraceptive use for mandelic acid condensation polymer (SAMMA). The polymer was already considered a viable anti-microbial. SAMMA would later be re-designated as poly-[1, 4-phenylene-(1-carboxy) methylene] (PPCM).

2007: NIH initiates support of product through 1R41AI069659-01, funding formulation, safety, and efficacy evaluation intended to lead to submission of an IND. NIH support would continue through 2025, facilitating development from bench research to a successful IND and initiation of a first in human trial.
2009: Additional evaluation clarifies mechanism of action, and publication by Rush Medical Center recommends further formulation development for an improved contraceptive microbicide. 
2020: Development update publication confirms ongoing development by Yaso Therapeutics team of MPT containing PPCM

2020-2023: Evaluation by Yaso Therapeutics and collaborating institutions indicates that PPCM exhibits consistent activity against SARS-CoV-2, Ebola virus, and N. gonorrhoeae.
2021: In vitro evaluation finds consistent and rapid sperm deactivation from "actual use" concentrations of PPCM when measured through both acrosome staining and a hyaluronan binding assay.

2025: Yaso Therapeutics announces receipt of additional NIH funding to support first in human clinical trial of Yaso Gel, an MPT containing PPCM.
 

Publications

Additional Information