WASHINGTON D.C. — FHI 360 is leading a Phase I clinical trial of the biodegradable contraceptive implant Casea S in the Dominican Republic. Casea S is designed to release a synthetic hormone (the progestin etonogestrel, which is used in existing contraceptive implants) to prevent pregnancy for 18 to 24 months before dissolving, eliminating the need for removal by a health care provider.
The trial — the first for a biodegradable contraceptive implant in more than 20 years — will evaluate the amount of etonogestrel in participants’ blood, as well as the implant’s removability, safety and tolerability. Based at the Biomedical Research Unit of Profamilia, a nongovernmental organization in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, it plans to enroll about 30 women ages 18 to 45 who will have the 6-millimeter implant inserted into the upper part of their nondominant arms.
“No one form of contraception will work for everyone, everywhere, at every stage of life,” says Dr. Kavita Nanda, a director of medical research at FHI 360 and principal investigator of the Casea S study. “Improving contraceptive access requires diversifying the variety of available methods. We believe that Casea S can offer a new and exciting contraceptive option and fill a gap in the contraceptive method mix.”
Contraceptive implants that are currently available are highly effective, safe and increasingly popular. But after three to five years, they must be removed, a process requiring trained providers and medical resources. Access to these procedures may be challenging, particularly in low- and middle-income countries — where strained infrastructure, limited supplies, long distances to providers, and prolonged wait times for appointments can create barriers — and in any setting where people face obstacles to care.
“A biodegradable implant, such as Casea S, can boost access and convenience by reducing the need for repeat visits to health facilities and simultaneously lessen costs and other burdens to individuals and health care systems alike,” says Nanda.
An estimated 218 million women of reproductive age living in low- and middle-income countries do not want to become pregnant but do not use effective contraceptive methods. For some, access to contraception is limited; for others, available methods are not acceptable or affordable.
Casea S was partly developed under FHI 360’s Contraceptive Technology Innovation Initiative in partnership with pH Sciences and GeSea Biosciences.
About FHI 360
FHI 360 mobilizes research, resources and relationships so people everywhere have access to the opportunities they need to lead full and healthy lives. With collaborations in more than 60 countries, we work directly with local leaders to improve health and well-being, respond to humanitarian crises, and strengthen community resilience. We share data-driven insights and scalable tools that help communities effectively address complex challenges, respond to shocks and achieve thriving futures.
Note for editors: Casea S is pronounced “cuh-SEE-uh ess”