# Copper Intravaginal Contraception

> **NIH NIH R61** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · 2020 · $328,291

## Abstract

ABSTRACT – Copper Vaginal Contraception
Unintended pregnancy rates in the U.S., as well as in many countries around the world, remain unacceptably
high. Many women are reluctant to use hormonal contraceptives due to concerns about thromboembolism,
irregular vaginal bleeding, or other side effects. Existing hormone-free contraceptive options that are reversible
include barrier methods which typically have relatively high failure rates, and copper intrauterine contraceptives
– which require placement by a trained clinician and often increase menstrual bleeding and cramping. Thus,
new contraceptive options are needed. A woman-controlled contraceptive that is more effective than existing
barrier contraceptives and could be initiated without a clinician's assistance would be of great benefit in many
settings; especially if a single contraceptive device could be used for an extended period of time and could
simultaneously reduce risks of sexually transmitted infection as a multi-purpose prevention technology.
The proposed research project will develop a copper intravaginal contraceptive product that may also reduce
risk for acquisition of sexually transmitted infections. In-vitro experiments in the R61 phase of the work will
guide product development in an iterative process. The safety and effectiveness testing planned for the R33
phase will employ a non-human primate model that is well-established for contraceptive development. Sub-
aims will serve as targets, and product fabrication and contraceptive effectiveness will be the primary
milestones of the R61 and R33 phases, respectively. Over the 5-year project, we will hone prototypes for long-
and short-acting versions of an exciting and innovative female-controlled, non-hormonal copper vaginal
contraceptive method that will be suitable for Phase I human clinical testing.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10018526
- **Project number:** 5R61HD099750-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Cheryl Katherine Walker
- **Activity code:** R61 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $328,291
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-15 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10018526

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10018526, Copper Intravaginal Contraception (5R61HD099750-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10018526. Licensed CC0.

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