The following information describes the branch’s research programs and program areas.
Contraception Research and Development
Program Officials: Daniel S. Johnston, Leigh Allen, Steven C. Kaufman, and Christopher C. Lindsey
CRB’s goal is to promote contraceptive research and development to prevent or reduce unintended pregnancies by:
- Developing new male and female contraceptive methods
- Supporting research that may lead to new methods for inhibiting spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, sperm transport and motility, ovulation and fertilization
- Conducting experimental contraceptive studies in animals and humans
- Supporting research directed at multi-purpose prevention technologies and on-demand contraception
Contraceptive research and development are critical for providing safer, more effective methods of preventing unintended pregnancies. Although numerous contraceptive methods are currently available, approximately half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended. Having more contraceptive methods available that meet the diverse needs of individuals of different ethnicities, cultures, and values would be ideal.
The branch uses a variety of funding mechanisms to promote contraceptive research and development, including grants and contracts.
Selected new contraceptive leads move forward with assistance from one of the branch’s support contractors. A Chemical Screening and Optimization Facility assists investigators in pursuing integrated structure-based drug design/discovery and optimization, encompassing screening, structural biology, modeling, and synthesis. A Biological Testing Facility assists investigators in pursuing testing of biological activity, pharmacology, and toxicology of compounds of interest for potential advancement to the clinic.
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