Contraception Research Branch (CRB)

Contraceptive pills and condomsOverview/Mission

CRB supports research and research training concerning:

  • Effects of contraception on human health
  • New and improved methods of human contraception

 

We are interested in applications that align with the following research priorities. For more information about NICHD’s research themes, cross-cutting topics, and aspirational goals, visit the plan’s Scientific Research Themes and Objectives.

Basic Research to Facilitate Contraceptive Development

Strategic Plan Theme 2: Promoting Gynecologic, Andrologic, and Reproductive Health

Gap: Development of contraceptive and multi-purpose prevention technology (MPT, contraceptives with an anti-infective component) would be greatly facilitated by a better understanding of specific areas of basic reproductive biology (e.g., identification of gene products required for fertility as validation of human contraceptive targets).

Priority: Reproductive biology research that can be applied directly to the development and/or improvement of contraceptives for men and/or women.

Development of New and Improved Methods of Contraception

Strategic Plan Theme 2: Promoting Gynecologic, Andrologic, and Reproductive Health
Strategic Plan Cross-Cutting Topics: Disease Prevention, Infectious Disease

Gap: Currently, there are limited contraceptive options for both men and women. Many women find the side effects of hormonal-based contraceptives to be unacceptable and are not satisfied with the available alternatives. Men have only two methods of contraception available to them: condoms or sterilization. Furthermore, sexually transmitted infection rates are increasing. MPTs could help stop the spread of these diseases while also serving as a contraceptive.

Priority: Development of new and improved methods of contraception, including non-hormonal methods that do not disturb the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, on-demand methods, MPTs, and model systems or other methods to facilitate contraceptive target identification and validation.

Effects of Long-Term Contraceptive Use on Health

Strategic Plan Theme 2: Promoting Gynecologic, Andrologic, and Reproductive Health
Strategic Plan Theme 5: Advancing Safe and Effective Therapeutics and Devices for Pregnant and Lactating Women, Children, and People with Disabilities
Strategic Plan Cross-Cutting Topics: Health Disparities, Infectious Disease

Gap: Many people use marketed contraceptives for extended periods of time or undergo surgical contraception as a method of permanent or long-term fertility management. More research is needed on their long-term health effects, including in diverse and atypical use populations.

Priority: Investigations on the biological effects of contraception on future health, especially long-term health outcomes from prolonged contraceptive use initiated during adolescence, biological changes in the reproductive tract following surgical sterilization for men or women, effects of contraceptive methods on susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections, and effects of using contraceptives for reasons other than contraception. Research is also encouraged on the biological effects of contraception on diverse populations, especially adolescents, perimenopausal women, lactating women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with chronic disabilities, diseases, or conditions.

Biological Effects of Contraception Used as Treatments for Gynecological Disorders

Strategic Plan Theme 2: Promoting Gynecologic, Andrologic, and Reproductive Health
Strategic Plan Theme 5: Advancing Safe and Effective Therapeutics and Devices for Pregnant and Lactating Women, Children, and People with Disabilities

Gap: Better treatments are needed for various gynecological conditions that affect women worldwide, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. Currently, women are often prescribed long-term contraception methods as treatment. Research on the biological effects of the use of contraceptive methods on women with these conditions is warranted.

Priority: Studies on the biological effects of contraception used to manage gynecological diseases or conditions such as uterine fibroids, PCOS, and endometriosis.

Market and Behavioral Research Informing Contraceptive Development

Strategic Plan Theme 2: Promoting Gynecologic, Andrologic, and Reproductive Health
Strategic Plan Cross-Cutting Topics: Health Disparities, Infectious Disease

Gap: Development of contraceptives and MPTs would be greatly facilitated by market and behavioral factors that contribute to use or non-use of contraceptive devices and therapeutics under development. These data are vital for informing future product development and improving the likelihood of proper usage while minimizing discontinuation.

Priority: Market and behavioral research on contraceptive and MPT products during development and early-stage commercialization to identify factors that affect their use and non-use.

  • Daniel S. Johnston, Branch Chief
    Main Research Areas: Contraceptive development and evaluation; investigator-initiated research grants; Biological Testing Facility
  • Leigh Allen, Program Officer
    Main Research Areas: Contraceptive development; structural biology; investigator-initiated research grants; Preclinical Contraceptive Development Program; Biological Testing Facility; phased innovation awards; contraceptive behavioral research; multipurpose prevention technologies
  • Maria Hill, Extramural Staff Assistant
  • Steven C. Kaufman, Medical Officer
    Main Research Areas: Contraceptive development and evaluation via investigator-initiated research grants, including SBIR/STTR grants; NIH Loan Repayment Program (extramural); Women’s Reproductive Health Research Career Development Program
  • Christopher C. Lindsey, Program Officer
    Main Research Areas: Contraception product development; medicinal chemistry; Chemical Screening and Optimization Facility; Preclinical Contraceptive Development Program; Contraceptive Development Research Centers Program
  • Ying Liu, Program Analyst

Highlights

  • CRB co-sponsors the following Multipurpose Prevention Technologies funding opportunities:
    • PAR-23-180: Next Generation Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
    • PAR-21-298: Multipurpose Prevention Technology: Novel Systemic Options for Young Adults (R41/R42 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
    • PAR-21-297: Multipurpose Prevention Technology: Novel Systemic Options for Young Adults (R43/R44 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
  • Get to Know NICHD! Learn more about what inspired CRB Chief Dr. Dan Johnston to pursue science and how his decisions and experiences led him to his career with NICHD.
  • Physiomimetics and Organoids for Reproductive Health. At this workshop, held September 23-24, 2021, multidisciplinary experts on physiomimetics, sometimes called “organs-on-a-chip,” and organoids—complex, self-organized 3D-cell culture models that derive from stem/progenitor cells and maintain tissue-like architecture and structure—discussed applications of these technologies for reproductive health research. Access recordings from Day 1 external link and Day 2 external link, or the meeting summary (PDF 469 KB) for additional information.
  • Recent publications from CRB researchers include the following:
    • A brief history and future prospects of contraception. Reviews the history of contraception, shortcomings in contraceptive methods, promising approaches for male and female contraception, and simultaneous protection against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. (PMID: 37053322)
    • The urgent need for innovation in contraception. Describes the need for new contraceptive methods, the opportunities provided by research advancements, the research strategies that help advance innovative novel methods, the value of drug development accelerators, and the need for industry involvement to provide greater reproductive autonomy for everyone globally. (PMID: 36780138)
    • Biomarkers and diagnostics will play essential roles in advancing innovative contraception. Discusses the current need for biomarkers and diagnostics in developing contraceptives and suggests how the field can work together to overcome clinical development challenges and regulatory approval obstacles and allow new discoveries to advance from research to use. (PMID: 35909549)
    • Preclinical contraceptive development for men and women. Reviews preclinical development of non-hormonal contraceptives. (PMID: 32561907)
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