Yaso Awarded NIH Grant for Phase I Trials
Yaso Therapeutics awarded NIH grant to begin first-in-human trial of novel non-hormonal contraceptive
DALLAS, TX — Sept. 15, 2025 — Yaso Therapeutics, a pharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing women’s health, announced it has been awarded a competitive grant from the National Institutes of Health, grant number 1R44HD118927-01, to initiate first-in-human clinical trials of its lead non-hormonal contraceptive candidate.
The therapy represents the first new non-hormonal contraceptive with dual infection-prevention properties to enter human studies in decades, marking a significant milestone in reproductive health innovation.
The trial will be conducted at the University of Pittsburgh’s Magee-Womens Research Institute and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, the nation’s largest research institute dedicated exclusively to women’s health and reproductive biology. With a long history of NIH-funded contraceptive research and clinical excellence, Magee-Womens brings expertise and credibility to the study.
“Our team is honored by NIH’s recognition of the urgency and promise of this work,” said Mary Weitzel, co-founder, principal investigator and CEO of Yaso Therapeutics. “Millions of women worldwide seek safe, effective and user-controlled alternatives to hormonal contraceptives. This trial is an important step toward delivering a first-in-class product that combines contraception with protection against common infections.”
The NIH award validates Yaso’s innovative polymer-based drug platform, developed through years of research and supported by $7 million in NIH funding. The company’s lead product has the potential to transform the contraceptive landscape by addressing two major global health challenges — unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections — through a single, affordable solution.
Why this matters
- An estimated 214 million women worldwide have an unmet need for modern contraception.
- Current contraceptive options often rely on hormones, which may cause side effects and lead some women to discontinue use.
- Yaso’s non-hormonal approach offers a potential breakthrough for women who cannot or prefer not to use hormonal methods.
- NIH’s funding, combined with Magee-Womens’ clinical expertise, ensures the highest standards of scientific rigor and patient care.
About Yaso Therapeutics
Yaso Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical company focused on developing non-hormonal, user-controlled contraceptives with antimicrobial applications. Founded by industry veterans with expertise in drug delivery, regulatory strategy and commercialization, Yaso is committed to advancing global access to safe and effective reproductive health solutions.
About Magee-Womens Research Institute
Magee-Womens Research Institute, affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, is the largest research institute in the United States devoted exclusively to women’s health, reproductive biology and infant health. Its scientists and clinicians have led groundbreaking studies in fertility, contraception, pregnancy and newborn health for decades, making it a global leader in women’s health research and innovation.