Expanding Contraceptive Choices
NICHD Director’s Corner by Diana W. Bianchi
Multipurpose Prevention Technologies
With NICHD support, researchers at Boston University aim to develop an on-demand female MPT product that prevents pregnancy and protects both partners against STIs. They and collaborators created a vaginal film containing an anti-sperm antibody called human contraceptive antibody (HCA). Recent findings from a Phase I study indicate that the film, dubbed ZB06, is safe and shows promise as a contraceptive. Additional data suggest that HCA can trap pathogens in sperm agglutinates—clumps of sperm that form in the presence of the antibody—potentially preventing transmission. The Boston University researchers ultimately plan to combine ZB06 with a vaginal film that delivers antibodies against HIV and herpes simplex virus 2. They also are investigating an HCA-containing penile gel as a candidate for male contraception.
Full article available at: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/about/org/od/directors_corner