Contraceptive Technology Innovation

In 1971, the founders of the International Fertility Research Program (now FHI 360) committed to evaluating contraceptive technologies for use in developing countries. Earliest efforts focused on field trial evaluations of intrauterine devices, oral contraceptives, permanent surgical contraception and female barrier methods. Since then, FHI 360 researchers have conducted hundreds of clinical trials and research studies to assess the safety, efficacy and acceptability of most contraceptives marketed today. Our efforts have contributed to the introduction of more than 10 contraceptive products in more than 30 countries.

Anchored by two major research awards, the Contraceptive Technology Innovation Initiative and Innovate FP (which builds on the previous Envision FP award), our current portfolio spans multiple stages of contraceptive product development. Technologies being developed or evaluated include:

  • Implants: FHI 360 scientists are developing and testing biodegradable implant systems, including the Casea S product. Additionally, researchers are evaluating the availability of contraceptive implant removal services. Through the Sino-implant (II) initiative, FHI 360 also facilitated the global introduction of an affordable, high-quality, two-rod implant, which contributed to broader price reductions and increased market access.
  • Injectables: FHI 360 is supporting the development and evaluation of a longer-acting injectable. This includes research on Depo-Provera,® a three-month intramuscular injectable contraceptive, to determine its potential to provide six months of contraceptive protection when injected subcutaneously, as well as the development of a six-month levonorgestrel (LNG) self-injectable contraceptive, referred to as the LNG long-acting microsphere injectable, or the LLMI.
  • Microneedle patches: FHI 360 scientists and partners are working through the preclinical phase to develop microneedle patches that deliver contraceptive hormones, including nestorone, etonogestrel and levonorgestrel. Additionally, FHI 360 is conducting qualitative research on potential users’ perceptions of a contraceptive microneedle patch, including preferred product characteristics.
  • Intrauterine devices: FHI 360 leads research and product introduction activities for both copper and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), including through SHINE, which aims to better understand potential demand for the hormonal IUD. FHI 360 is also leading a clinical trial comparing the standard Copper T 380A with a newer, smaller copper IUD.

Our contraceptive technology work is connected to FHI 360’s market development and product introduction efforts, with a focus on expanding access to contraception for populations in low- and middle-income countries. In addition, our work is informed by social and behavioral research on acceptability of new or refined methods, health services research on ways to reduce barriers to family planning service delivery and quality assurance testing of contraceptive commodities procured for field use.

FHI 360 scientists are committed to sharing findings with stakeholders globally, including colleagues in other fields whose research could stimulate innovative breakthroughs in contraceptive development. Online resources developed and maintained by FHI 360 are:

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