CONRAD’s work in developing new contraceptive products and microbicides includes cutting edge research conducted acround the globe.
Identification and development of new microbicides, including development and validation of small animal models for HIV and formulation work are ongoing by investigators, collaborators and contractors in Germany, Northern Ireland, and the Dominican Republic.
Similarly, the Phase II effectiveness trial of the combination of an androgen and a progestin for male contraception is being conducted in collaboration with WHO (Switzerland) by investigators in Italy, Germany, Chile, Australia, United Kingdom, Indonesia and India.
With support from the Hewlett Foundation, CONRAD initiated a dose finding trial in Chile to determine how to best use meloxicam as an emergency contraceptive. This followed initial probing studies in Chile and Jordan verifying that meloxicam prevents ovulation by itself and enhances the effect of levonorgestrel (the presently recommended emergency contraceptive treatment).
In Pune, India, CONRAD joined forces with the National AIDS Research Institute of the Indian Council of Medical Research to investigate the effects of the menstrual cycle on colposcopic findings on the cervix. Additionally, the Medtech Products female condom has been tested in India.
CONRAD is providing supplies of the antiretroviral tenofovir for an ongoing Phase IIb clinical trial for HIV prevention in South Africa. The trial is being conducted by CAPRISA.
In both Thailand and Atlanta, CONRAD is working with CDC on safety studies focusing on the antiretroviral UC781 for use as a microbicide.
In January 2008, in six cities of the United States, CONRAD began a Phase III contraceptive trial of the SILCS diaphragm, together with FHI and in collaboration with PATH.
While the Phase III trial of cellulose sulfate for HIV prevention – held in Benin, South Africa, Uganda and India – concluded early due to lack of efficacy, the trial helped pave the way for research on new safe and effective microbicides.