Developing a 90-day vaginal ring that could prevent HIV infection, other sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy, and conducting behavioral studies to understand user-focused factors and promote adoption and use of this technology.
Research Program: Center for Biomedical Research
Evaluation of the ShangRing Versus Mogen Clamp for Early Infant Male Circumcision in sub-Saharan Africa
Evaluating safety and acceptability of a non surgical male circumcision device and providing evidence to inform prequalification by the World Health Organization and approval by the Food and Drug Administration.
Identification of A Biomarker For Hormonal Contraceptive Use: A Proof-Of-Concept Study
Establishing potential biomarkers for use in household surveys as an easy and cost-effective approach for verifying assessments of contraceptive use and ultimately tracking progress toward increasing access to sexual and reproductive health services.
Immunologic Changes Associated with Three Progestin-based Contraceptives
Determining immunologic changes in the female genital tract and systemic changes among women initiating progestin-only contraceptives, and evaluating the role of the vaginal microenvironment as a potential modifiable risk-factor for changes in HIV susceptibility.
Microarray Patches for HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis
Advancing the development of a microarray patch delivering cabotegravir for prevention of HIV infection for up to 4 weeks of protection.
Nestorone Gel and Testosterone Gel for Male Contraception
Testing a novel male contraceptive gel containing Nestorone and testosterone applied daily by the male partner in a global Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the efficacy, safety and acceptability of the gel over a period of 52 weeks.
Novel Pre-coital Non-hormonal Multi-purpose prevention Technology
Developing a non-hormonal on-demand fast dissolving vaginal insert with a window of protection lasting 12 hours that could prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy.
On-demand Microarray Patch for Contraception
Developing a 5–7 day microarray patch containing Nestorone designed for use immediately prior to sex or as an emergency contraceptive with minimal impact on breakthrough bleeding.
Preclinical Research for Non-surgical Permanent Contraception for Women
Innovating a low-cost highly-effective nonsurgical method of permanent contraception for women who have completed desired family size, with an appropriate delivery technology for low-resource settings.
Substantially Lowering the Cost of a Contraceptive Vaginal System Lasting a Full Year
Designing a second-generation contraceptive vaginal system that will achieve a similar one year of sustained release to the FDA approved product while substantially lowering the cost.