Program seeks Council approval for an initiative titled “Biological Testing Facility,” whose purpose is to provide investigators a means to request services from a state-of-the-art contract research facility for the development of contraceptives and multi-purpose prevention technologies (e.g., a contraceptive with anti-HIV or anti-infective properties). Requested services may include but are not limited to pharmacology, toxicology, and fertility studies. The contractor utilizes a wide range of animal species (e.g., mice, rabbit, non-human primates) and has the capability to subcontract for use of additional species.
The overarching goal of this program is to facilitate new investigator entry into this field by generating preliminary data for a first funding opportunity and provide bridging studies for senior investigators for their next funding opportunity. Funding status will not be a prerequisite to apply.
In the last cycle, the Biological Testing Facility provided services to both junior and senior investigators including in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies, sperm motility analysis, fertility testing, toxicology, and formulation, contributing to R01 & SBIR awards from the NIH and funding from USAID.
This concept clearance is in alignment with the NICHD Strategic Plan and the Contraception Research Branch’s branch priority of the development of new and improved contraceptives.
It is expected that service requests will be received to develop multipurpose prevention technologies.
Program Contact
Daniel Johnston
Contraception Research Branch (CRB)
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