Contraception Research Branch (CRB)

Overview/Mission

CRB supports research and research training concerning:

Effects of contraception on human health
New and improved methods of human contraception

Contraception Research and Development: Promotes contraceptive research and development and training opportunities for preventing or reducing unintended pregnancies
Contraceptive Development Research Center Program (CDRCP): Focuses the efforts of individual research centers on developing new contraceptive products for men and women
Preclinical Contraceptive Development Program (PCDP): Aims to expand research leading to the development of new male and female contraceptive approaches
Chemical Screening and Optimization Facility (CSOF): Supports discovery, development, and optimization of identified male and female contraceptive agents, lead compounds, and potential drug products
Biological Testing Facility (BTF): Supports biologic studies for preclinical compound and device development and advancement of identified male and female contraceptive agents

Assessment of the Contraceptive Research Activities of the NICHD: Executive Summary (PDF 138 KB)
Food and Drug Administration Birth Control Guide (updated December 2022): Provides information to help users make decisions about sexual and reproductive health
U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2016 (updated April 2020): Includes recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for using specific contraceptive methods by people who have certain characteristics or medical conditions; updated in 2020 to include recommendations on the use of hormonal contraceptive methods and intrauterine devices among women at high risk for HIV

Daniel S. Johnston, Branch Chief
Main Research Areas: Contraceptive development and evaluation; investigator-initiated research grants; Biological Testing Facility
Leigh Allen, Program Officer
Main Research Areas: Contraceptive development; structural biology; investigator-initiated research grants; Preclinical Contraceptive Development Program; Biological Testing Facility; phased innovation awards; contraceptive behavioral research; multipurpose prevention technologies
Maria Hill, Extramural Staff Assistant
Steven C. Kaufman, Medical Officer
Main Research Areas: Contraceptive development and evaluation via investigator-initiated research grants, including SBIR/STTR grants; NIH Loan Repayment Program (extramural); Women’s Reproductive Health Research Career Development Program
Christopher C. Lindsey, Program Officer
Main Research Areas: Contraception product development; medicinal chemistry; Chemical Screening and Optimization Facility; Preclinical Contraceptive Development Program; Contraceptive Development Research Centers Program
Ying Liu, Program Analyst

Highlights

Endometriosis and Women’s Health. Learn about NICHD support of research on endometriosis and learn about some recent advances in understanding, diagnosing, and treating this common gynecologic condition.
CRB co-sponsors the following Multipurpose Prevention Technologies funding opportunities:
- PAR-23-180: Next Generation Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
- PAR-21-298: Multipurpose Prevention Technology: Novel Systemic Options for Young Adults (R41/R42 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
- PAR-21-297: Multipurpose Prevention Technology: Novel Systemic Options for Young Adults (R43/R44 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Get to Know NICHD! Learn more about what inspired CRB Chief Dr. Dan Johnston to pursue science and how his decisions and experiences led him to his career with NICHD.
Physiomimetics and Organoids for Reproductive Health. At this workshop, held September 23-24, 2021, multidisciplinary experts on physiomimetics, sometimes called “organs-on-a-chip,” and organoids—complex, self-organized 3D-cell culture models that derive from stem/progenitor cells and maintain tissue-like architecture and structure—discussed applications of these technologies for reproductive health research. Access recordings from Day 1 and Day 2 , or the meeting summary (PDF 469 KB) for additional information.
Recent publications from CRB researchers include the following:
- A brief history and future prospects of contraception. Reviews the history of contraception, shortcomings in contraceptive methods, promising approaches for male and female contraception, and simultaneous protection against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. (PMID: 37053322)
- The urgent need for innovation in contraception. Describes the need for new contraceptive methods, the opportunities provided by research advancements, the research strategies that help advance innovative novel methods, the value of drug development accelerators, and the need for industry involvement to provide greater reproductive autonomy for everyone globally. (PMID: 36780138)
- Biomarkers and diagnostics will play essential roles in advancing innovative contraception. Discusses the current need for biomarkers and diagnostics in developing contraceptives and suggests how the field can work together to overcome clinical development challenges and regulatory approval obstacles and allow new discoveries to advance from research to use. (PMID: 35909549)
- Preclinical contraceptive development for men and women. Reviews preclinical development of non-hormonal contraceptives. (PMID: 32561907)