PROJECT
Transdermal Delivery Systems for Women:
Contraceptive Gel

Taking advantage of the skin's ability to deliver substances into the bloodstream, the Population Council and Antares Pharma, Inc., are developing a contraceptive gel that can be absorbed through the skin of a woman's arm, leg, or abdomen.

Previous dose-finding studies of the synthetic progestin Nestorone® delivered via a transdermal gel indicated that a sufficient amount of the molecule can be delivered through the skin to inhibit ovulation. These studies also showed that a gel is easy for women to administer and is well accepted.

Negotiations were entered into with a contract manufacturer to initiate formulation work for a gel that releases Nestorone and estradiol (an estrogen added to control bleeding).

The gel formulation is also suitable for hormone therapy.

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Location

United States

Population Council researchers

Régine Sitruk-Ware, Yun-yen Tsong

Non-Council collaborator

Antares Pharma, Inc.

Donors

The Lita Annenberg Hazen Foundation

The George J. Hecht Fund

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

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Related Project

• Transdermal Delivery Systems for Women: Spray-on Contraceptive

See Also

• "Antares and Population Council initiate Phase 1 clinical study with innovative low-dose contraceptive," 2007 news release (full text)
• Product Research and Development/Contraceptives

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