Contraception Research Branch (CRB)

The Effect of Contraceptive Use on Human Health

Gap: Contraceptive use is prevalent throughout the world, yet the effects of contraceptive use on human health are not well understood. Research topics of interest include:

• The effects of contraceptive methods on susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases
• The effects of female contraceptives on the vaginal microbiome

Priority: Support research and development on the effects of specific contraceptive methods (e.g., devices, hormonal, non-hormonal) on human health.

Development of New and Improved Methods of Contraception

Gap: There is a need to develop new contraceptive methods for populations without adequate choices, and to improve existing methods of contraception. New methods of interest include:

• Non-steroidal methods
• On-demand methods
• Multipurpose prevention technologies (contraception paired with antiviral or antibacterial prevention)

Priority: Support research and development of new and improved methods of contraception. There is high interest in the development of non-steroidal methods for both men and women.

Targeted Research to Facilitate the Development of New and Improved Methods of Contraception

Gap: Development of new and improved methods of contraception will require research focused on addressing knowledge gaps, including:

• Identification and validation of novel contraceptive drug targets that are required for fertility and that can be targeted using non-steroidal methods, such as:
  • Global identification of reproductive-tract-specific genes and proteins
  • Identification of novel contraceptive targets in spermatogonia
• Understanding how therapeutics cross the blood-testis and/or blood-epidydimal barriers
• Development of improved devices and delivery systems
• Development of methods and model systems to facilitate target validation, such as:
  • Target validation through fertility evaluation of genetically modified animal models with partial target inhibition

Priority: Develop and support targeted research to facilitate the development of new and improved methods of contraception.

• Contraception Research and Development: Promotes contraceptive research and development for preventing or reducing unintended pregnancies
• Prevention of HIV Transmission/Acquisition through a Better Understanding of Reproductive Health: Furthers understanding of HIV acquisition/transmission by increasing knowledge of the intersection between reproductive health and HIV prevention
• Contraceptive Development Research Center Program (CDRCP): Focuses the efforts of individual research centers on development that may lead to new contraceptive products
• Male Contraceptive Development Program (MCDP): Aims to expand research leading to the development of male contraception
• Medicinal Chemistry Facility (MCF): Supports research on the discovery, optimization, and development of male and female contraceptive agents

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Birth Control Guide: Provides information to help you make decisions about your sexual and reproductive health
• Trans-NIH Strategic Plan for Women’s Health Research: This 5-year plan highlights a multipronged pathway to advance a vision in which sex and gender influences are integrated into the biomedical research enterprise; every woman receives evidence-based disease prevention and treatment tailored to her own needs, circumstances, and goals; and women in science careers reach their full potential
• U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2010: Includes recommendations for using specific contraceptive methods by women and men who have certain characteristics or medical conditions

• Daniel Johnston, Branch Chief
  Main Research Areas: Contraceptive development and evaluation, includes multiple methods, non-hormonal male and female methods, and other methods not addressed in other branch categories; contraceptive evaluation, including hormonal methods, intrauterine and other devices, barrier methods, spermicides/microbicides, and therapeutic agents used in reproductive health
• Steven C. Kaufman, Medical Officer
  Main Research Areas: Investigator-initiated research grants, Male Contraceptive Development Program (U01 grants)
• Christopher C. Lindsey, Program Officer
  Main Research Area: Contraception product development
• David H. Weinberg, Program Officer
  Main Research Area: Contraceptive drug development