Impact Global Health Report Reveals Decline in Contraceptive R&D Funding

A recent report from Impact Global Health, titled "A New Era? Funding for Sexual & Reproductive Health R&D 2018-2023," has unveiled a concerning trend in contraceptive research and development (R&D). Despite an overall doubling of funding for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) R&D, investment in contraceptive R&D has plummeted to its lowest level ever in 2023, dropping by $20 million (16%) to $107 million. This marks a significant decline of $51 million, nearly a third, from its peak in 2019.

The report, based on data from the G-FINDER project, highlights that the most substantial reduction has impacted long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), which saw a $19 million (47%) decrease in 2023 alone. This continues a longer-term downward trend, with LARC funding falling by $45 million (68%) since 2019. Conversely, there has been a notable shift towards user-controlled contraceptive technologies, with funding for these products rising from 26% in 2018 to 70% in 2023.

Despite some growth in male contraceptive R&D, female-targeted contraceptives continue to dominate the funding landscape, accounting for nearly three-quarters of total investment. However, funding for male contraceptives has reached a record 17% of the total in 2023, up from 9% in 2018, with a focus on short-acting methods, including late-stage grants for the evaluation of NES/T gel, a combination of Nestorone and testosterone.

The report underscores the urgent need for increased investment in contraceptive R&D to address these gaps and ensure the development of new and effective contraceptive methods.