Snapshot of Contraceptive Market
1960 “The Pill” was approved by FDA.
63 years later 55% of women would switch to a non-hormonal contraceptive if available.
15 – 20% of women are medically contraindicated for hormone-based products.
STDs increased up to 32% in 2 years indicating condoms are not used enough.
Emergency Contraception sales are skyrocketing.
49% of pregnancies are unplanned.
7.2 M women have an unmet need for modern contraceptives in the USA and EU.
18 M women in USA don’t use a modern method.
Simple rendering of sperm illustrates the critical location of the acrosome. Once the sperm contacts the zona pellucida, the acrosome releases enzymes hyaluronidase and acrosin that break down hyaluronic acid intracellular structures, allowing penetration of the head of the sperm to the cytoplasm and eventual bonding with the nucleus. PPCM triggers the premature loss of the acrosomal coating, thus rendering sperm infertile. (Source: online.psu.edu - Penn State)
PPCM causes sperm to prematurely lose the acrosome and inhibits hyaluronidase, a critical enzyme needed for fertilization. Thus, sperm are unable to fertilize an ovum. PPCM promises to be an excellent non-hormonal vaginal contraceptive drug product. PPCM renders sperm infertile without damaging other cells. Currently approved spermicides are surfactants that attack lipids in sperm as well as vaginal tissue. Surfactants such as N-9 are irritating and promote transmission of sexually transmitted disease and other vaginal infections. PPCM is non-irritating and does not trigger an inflammatory response.