Researchers are using tobacco plant antibodies to develop a dissolvable patch that could prevent HIV and act as a form of birth control.
Since the advent of modern birth control, i.e. “the pill,” little has changed over the past few decades. According to Planned Parenthood, there are only three methods of birth control that are over 95% effective: the implantable rod, intrauterine devices, and sterilization.
“There’s a need for good, on-demand nonhormonal contraceptives,” says Deborah Anderson in a statement put out by BU, a lead researcher at Boston University’s Contraceptive Research Center.
Under her guidance, a team of researchers are working to develop a reversible, nonhormonal contraceptive. The solution uses monoclonal antibodies derived from tobacco plants to immobilize sperm.
They have used the same method to develop a second line of monoclonal antibodies that are effective at protecting individuals against sexually-transmitted infections (STI’s) such as HIV and herpes.
Monoclonal antibodies are lab-developed proteins that are made to attack other target proteins in the body. In this case, there would be two lines of proteins. One line of monoclonal antibodies would bind to and immobilize sperm. The other would target and destroy viruses such as herpes and HIV.
Researchers are testing these two lines of monoclonal antibodies separately. However, Anderson’s goal is to eventually combine the two.
“Our ultimate goal is to have a contraceptive that also protects women against sexually transmitted infections,” Anderson says.
This research has been going on for over a decade but entered clinical trials last year. Currently, the product is being tested as a topical film–similar to a Listerine strip–that could be inserted into the vagina. The strip dissolves, rendering the monoclonal antibodies active, and remains in the vagina for up to 24 hours.
Researchers are also working on a personal lubricant that could be used by people without a vagina.
“There is an enormous gender disparity in the use of and adherence to contraception,” adds PhD student, Matt Geib. Geib is a leading researcher who is working with Anderson to develop the contraceptive solution further into a personal lubricant.
Phase I of clinical trials has so far been successful. However, the product is still far from hitting the shelves of your local CVS and Walgreens. Anderson estimates that it could be another five to 10 years before their work is available to the public.
