The Population Council, an international, nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that conducts biomedical, social science, and public health research, is collaborating with pharmaceutical manufacturer Acrux in the development of this new form of contraception.
The spray that is being tested contains Nestorone, a versatile synthetic progestin closely resembling the natural hormone progesterone. Studies have shown that NES works like other hormonal methods, such as the pill, by inhibiting ovulation and thus preventing fertilization.
The spray is absorbed almost instantaneously, so there is no risk of washing it off. The hormone collects as a reservoir within the skin, from which it then slowly diffuses into the bloodstream. In a clinical trial a Nestorone gel applied to the skin daily for three months suppressed ovulation in 83% of participants applying 1.2 mg per day.
The dose is delivered once a day by using a small spray pump that is pressed against the skin. Users would press a button and wait one minute for the spray to dry.
When will the spray-on contraception be available?
It’s impossible to say whether it will ever be available, or if so, when. Currently they have completed a Phase 1 “proof of concept” trial which confirmed that the spray on deliver method works. Phase 2 trials are meant to confirm that the delivery method, along with a specific dose, will in fact inhibit ovulation. These are scheduled for the second half of 2006.Sources:
Published March 23, 2006.
