Vision Statement: The Ultimate Contraceptive
Across a woman’s life, contraceptive needs evolve. Some prioritize ease and control, others safety and tolerability, while many seek discretion, affordability, and even protection against infections. The 'ultimate contraceptive' is not simply a product — it is a vision of reproductive autonomy that addresses the diverse needs of women at every stage of life.
Key Attributes of the Ultimate Contraceptive
• Use only when needed: On-demand, immediately reversible, and female-controlled.
• Safe and tolerable: No systemic hormones, no long-term side effects, non-irritating, and compatible with other health needs.
• Practical and accessible: Affordable, available over-the-counter (OTC), easy to use correctly, and discreet for real-world application.
• Partner acceptability: Enhances or does not interfere with intimacy, with positive perception from male partners.
• Dual protection: Prevents pregnancy and reduces risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs).
• Lifecycle flexibility: Suitable for teens, women avoiding or spacing pregnancies, and those in perimenopause with higher safety concerns.
This vision highlights what women consistently ask for: control, safety, affordability, discretion, and protection. Yaso Gel represents a critical step toward achieving this vision — a modern, woman-controlled, non-hormonal option designed to meet unmet needs and capture real-world demand.
How many women need a non-hormonal contraceptive?
The global contraceptive market has been estimated to exceed $20 billion annually. 30-35% of women using hormonal birth control report adverse side effects. In the U.S., about 31% of contraceptive users say they are experiencing side effects from their current method ( Contraception in the United States: A Closer Look at Experiences, Preferences, and Coverage, Brittni Frederiksen, et al., Nov 3, 2022, kff.org.). Among those who discontinued oral contraceptives, a survey found that 64.6% did so because of adverse effects (Moreau C, Cleland K, Trussell J., Contraceptive discontinuation attributed to method dissatisfaction in the United States. Contraception, 2007;76(4):267-272.). Yaso addresses the unmet demand for non-hormonal, discreet, dual-purpose products — positioning us as a potential category leader. Yaso is delivering proven science to solve women’s most urgent family planning needs.
Weren’t some vaginal gels messy?
The problems of stickiness and mess belong to yesterday’s products. Yaso solves them with an aqueous, clean, quick-drying formula and a precision applicator. Yaso represents engineered design with a measured dose every time. It’s a product made for women’s lives today, not yesterday. It’s not just another gel — it’s a next-generation contraceptive and protective technology.
How long does it work?
Preclinical data show Yaso Gel provides protection as soon as it is applied in the vagina, and for several hours. Ongoing studies are confirming duration and real-world use so women can rely on it with confidence. Unlike some other products, it does not have to be applied hours in advance - it’s active on-demand, as needed.
What is the efficacy target with typical use?
Typical use is affected by user adherence to the insertion method. In several published studies it is not unusual to find when any new method is introduced, efficacy can initially appear lower than targeted, but over time, efficacy improves with regular use, which is typical with virtually any new product. We formulated Yaso Gel to be as pleasant to use as an aqueous personal lubricant to encourage regular and correct use of the vaginal contraceptive. We used the male condom as a widely-known performance benchmark, because not only is it contraceptive, but prevents STD infections: a potential benefit in Yaso Gel but not competitors.
Do some older gels cause irritation?
Older acid-based gels often caused vaginal burning, itching, and discomfort (reported in clinical trials by 18–20% of users). Users shared firsthand accounts of burning or irritation, often describing them as uncomfortable enough to stop use. Anecdotal complaints usually focus on burning sensations during or after intercourse. In contrast, Yaso’s new aqueous formula is designed to be gentle and well-tolerated. Early safety testing shows promising results, and women in trials will report their experiences directly.
Will women be able to buy it over the counter (OTC)?
That’s our goal. We want women to access Yaso without barriers. The final decision depends on FDA review and regulatory approval, but OTC access is part of our mission. If a investor/partner elected to go Rx first, they would influence that strategy. In fact, there may be options for various product formulations. Conceivably, the FDA may require some period of time as an Rx, since PPCM is a new chemical entity. We are making possible a world where family planning is an easy choice, not a privilege.
How will the price compare?
Final pricing will be set closer to launch. Yaso is being developed to be cost-effective — less expensive than many prescription contraceptives and more practical than complex biologics. We are breaking down barriers to safe and affordable contraception.
What do doctors think?
Women’s health experts and general practitioners have responded positively. Physicians recognize the need for non-hormonal, discreet options. Yaso also stands out for its potential dual use — contraception plus broad infection protection. Plus, antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhea are a threat today.
Yaso’s CEO Mary Weitzel is also a respected NIH peer reviewer, and some comments from other NIH reviewers (MD, PhD) include:
“Effective, safe and practical contraception is an extremely high priority in global health. Practicality can be the crucial consideration as without ease of use and compatibility with real-world sexual practice, contraceptives can be useless. Developing useful contraceptive options is therefore of the absolute highest priority and significance.”
“The investigative team led by Yaso CEO Mary Weitzel is extremely strong, with key personnel in place to execute all levels of the proposal.”
What is the regulatory pathway?
We are pursuing FDA approval beginning with Phase 1 trials. The long-term goal is over-the-counter (OTC) availability, which could make Yaso Gel a first-in-class, globally accessible contraceptive and protective product. We are grounding bold innovation in FDA-reviewed science.
How does Yaso Gel compare to other technologies?
Unlike monoclonal antibodies or complex biologics, Yaso’s gel is simple, stable, and cost-effective to manufacture. This enables rapid global scalability and affordability. In women’s health, safety, formulation, and delivery matter more than “molecular fashion.” A proven class de-risks the development program. Yaso Gel with PPCM is much closer to real-world application in contraception. We are setting the benchmark for non-hormonal contraception worldwide.
How does PPCM work against viruses?
The effectiveness of PPCM is rooted in its molecular scale, which allows it to target and disrupt viral interactions without affecting host cells. The PPCM polymer coils are significantly smaller than viral spikes, creating a potent protective corona around the virion, inhibiting its ability to bind to and infect epithelial cells. For perspective, the size of a vaginal epithelial cell is 25K – 80K nanometers. The HSV-1 virion is about 200 nm, the glycoprotein spike, about 10 nm, and a PPCM polymer coil about 2-4 nm. PPCM doesn’t just coat; it forms a hydrated nanoscale shield around virions, disrupting receptor binding.