Clinical TrialsTU/NET-EN male hormonal contraceptive effectiveness trial
This Phase IIb trial is a collaboration between CONRAD and WHO to determine the safety and efficacy of a long-acting formulation of testosterone (testosterone undecanoate [TU]) combined with a long-acting progestin (norethisterone enanthate [NET-EN]) for sperm suppression and contraceptive efficacy. Ten sites in seven countries began enrolling trial participants in 2008; enrollment ended in September 2010. Participants received injections every 2 months during the Suppression and Efficacy Phases. Results for contraceptive efficacy are expected in 2012. While interim data showed that the method suppresses sperm production effectively, further injections were discontinued in April 2011 after a WHO panel determined that the risks of possible side effects might outweigh the potential benefits to male participants. The side effects experienced by participants were not unexpected, but occurred more often than anticipated. All men still active at that time were transitioned into the Recovery Phase.
SILCS diaphragm, a new single-size barrier device
The Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH) SILCS diaphragm is a single-size reusable barrier device that fits most women comfortably. A Phase III contraceptive trial of the SILCS diaphragm, used in combination with either BufferGel® or nonoxynol-9, enrolled 450 couples at six U.S. sites. The study has been completed and data analysis is underway.
Meloxicam, a nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory agent to be used in emergency contraception
Two previous studies suggested that the nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory agent meloxicam may improve the efficacy of levonorgestrel (LNG) when used for emergency contraception and that it may even be effective for that purpose when used alone. LNG is currently the main product used for emergency contraception and has a limited range of effectiveness (3 days after unprotected sex). Meloxicam may expand the window of effectiveness and have fewer side effects. A study in Santiago, Chile, funded by the Hewlett Foundation, showed meloxicam to be safe and effective at inhibiting ovulation when used for 5 days, providing further evidence of its potential as an emergency contraceptive.
Meloxicam, a nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory agent to be used as monthly contraception
Non-hormonal birth control methods are needed, especially for women with chronic health conditions who cannot use hormonal methods. A Phase II trial in Santiago, Chile will test the safety and efficacy of two different doses of meloxicam, 15 mg and 30 mg, taken daily for the prevention of ovulation.
The Woman's Condom, a new female condom
CONRAD has continued its pioneer work with female condoms that helped lead to the 1993 FDA approval of the first female condom on the U.S. market, the FC Female Condom (formerly Reality® Female Condom), marketed by The Female Health Company. Since 1998, CONRAD has supported PATH in the development of a new female condom known as the Woman's Condom. This new female condom has performed well with good acceptability in initial studies in the U.S. and South Africa. CONRAD is currently collaborating with the California Family Health Council on a study comparing the performance of the Woman's Condom and the FC2 Female Condom. This study will compare self-reported clinical failure rates of the two condoms, and will also use vaginal detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as an indicator of condom failure. In parallel, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Contraceptive Clinical Trials Network will perform a Phase III contraceptive efficacy study of the Woman's Condom.
Cyclofem®, a female injectable hormonal contraceptive
Cyclofem® is a highly effective monthly injectable hormonal contraceptive containing two hormones, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and estradiol cypionate (E2C), that has been studied and used extensively in populations throughout the world, but is not currently approved by the FDA. FDA approval is pivotal to the acceptance of Cyclofem® in many countries because of the FDA's rigorous standards for drug safety and efficacy. A pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study in women at CONRAD/EVMS that will determine the fate of the two hormones in the body after administration of Cyclofem® is underway. This study is the first step in obtaining the approval needed to further expand access to this contraceptive method.