First-in-line 3D-printed intravaginal ring for nonhormonal contraception.

ABSTRACT: With nearly half of all pregnancies occurring unintended, effective and acceptable contraceptive options remain a global necessity. Though contraceptives with extended durations of action reduce the need for strict daily adherence, thus enhancing compliance and reliability, only one of these methods - the copper intrauterine device (IUD) - prevents pregnancy without administering exogenous hormones. Herein, we demonstrate co-delivery of two nonhormonal contraceptive agents, lactic acid (LA) and glycerol monolaurate (GML), using a next-generation 3D-printed intravaginal ring (IVR). Through alterations in ring properties and drug loading, a range of LA and GML release rates were achieved in vitro, demonstrating the flexibility of the platform technology. Rings elicited sustained relea

SUBMITTER: Howard SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12668138 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature